Op-Ed: Political Grandstanding Has No Place at Memorial

By Aileen Persich

I am a 9/11 survivor and moved here six years ago.  I have attended the Commack Memorial each year.  It is always a lovely tribute to the memory of those lost their lives on that horrible day.   I only wish the attendance was larger.   

The National Anthem sung by Joanna Martell was beautiful and the Benediction and Poem read by Deacon Louis Anetrella brought me to tears.   It was a perfect tribute with the exception of one moment.   Each year Senator Steve Israel uses the forum for his own political agenda.  He constantly brags about something he has done. (Yes, he somehow manages to relate it to 9/11)  Candidly, I find such grandstanding during such a solemn event inappropriate.   

In my opinion, this year Senator Steve Israel's bragging/grandstanding was extraordinarily offensive.  He bragged about helping an illegal immigrant obtain citizenship.  This illegal immigrant is married to a man who provided water during the 9/11 clean up and is now very ill.  My heart goes out to this poor man and his family (whether or not his illness was related to 9/11).   Regardless, using a 9/11 event for his own political gain is unacceptable but discussing his alleged assistance to an illegal immigrant during a 9/11 memorial is just offensive.   Did he consider that 9/11 happened because of immigration issues that allowed terrorists to enter this country?   (By the way, I am not suggesting this woman is a terrorist.)  His discussing this  was unnecessary and insensitive.

On the other hand, County Executive Steve Levy has attended the event every year.  Not once, has he ever used such a forum to discuss anything other than express his heartfelt sorrow for all those who lost their lives and to those of us who continue to grieve.     

In summary, other than Senator Steve Israel's speech, the event was lovely and I thank all those who work hard to put together this special 9/11 A Day of Remembrance Memorial.