9/11 Ceremony Held In Smithtown: ‘We Stand United’

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Town of Smithtown held a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Monday.

The Smithtown Chamber of Commerce, families of 9/11 victims, first responders, U.S. Military and veterans joined in prayer and reflection. Rabbi Mendel Teldon, of Chabad of Commack, and Pastor Stephen Zarlengo, of Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle Church led elected officials, first responders, community leaders, veterans, active duty military members, local family and friends in the interfaith blessing.

"Today we stand united, to honor the memory of our loved ones, our brave first responders and our men and women in uniform who protect us against tyranny and terrorism,” Supervisor Ed Wehrheim stated. “We pay respects to our friends and neighbors who still grieve for their loss. But we also reclaim the spirit of unity, faith and resilience that served as a light of hope through our darkest of hours, 22 years ago today."

After Teldon and Zarlengo offered spiritual messages of unity and uplifting prayer, the names of 53 Smithtown residents who were killed in the terrorist attacks were read out loud, followed by a moment of silence and ceremonial wreath laying. The rain held off long enough for the end of the ceremony, in which Wehrheim called upon all members of the military, veterans and 9/11 first responders to come forward. Residents applauded them for their commitment, sacrifice and service.

"We are not alone in this pain," Zarlengo said at the ceremony. "And though we may ask why and though we may spiral into places where we can say ‘I’m discouraged, I don’t know why this has happened,’ God is in the midst of our why. And he’ll hold us with his faithfulness in the midst of the storm. So as we remember, may we also remember the families who still mourn, the friends, the fresh pain they feel every day, may the grace of God be with them, now and forever more."

The ceremony closed with a rendition of “Proud to be an American,” by John Zollo, as Smithtown Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Barbara Franco handed out roses to be placed along the memorial fountain.

"Zakhor, remember that there will always be darkness that attempts to extinguish the light," Teldon said. "That darkness plays itself out on the world stage in every generation … But more importantly Zakhor, remember the call to action. Zakhor, remember what love of our fellow man can accomplish. How it can take good people and turn them into selfless examples of all that is right with humanity. Zakhor, remember that in those darkest of times we saw the humanity in each other. Zakhor, remember that we saw that we are all Americans. Zakhor, remember we are all God's children."

Each year, numerous organizations work to present the Sept. 11th ceremony as a symbol of unity. The Smithtown Chamber of Commerce partners with the Town of Smithtown, with support from the Nesconset and St. James chambers.

The Smithtown Department of Public Safety works with the Smithtown Fire Department to present the colors and assist with the reading of the names. Teldon and Zarlengo bring together a symbiotic message of hope to uplift the community.

The U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station works with various state and local elected leaders to assist with the wreath laying, to properly honor the fallen.

The Department of Parks, Buildings and Grounds spends a rigorous amount of time, maintaining and setting up the park for the ceremony every year. Smithtown GTV visual/audio specialists work through the evening hours to produce the ceremony to be made available that same day, so those who were unable to attend may still participate by watching online via YouTube channel.

"This tradition is by design and intended to honor the fallen, those who serve (past and present) and their loved ones in the community with grace, dignity and respect," the town stated.