Syosset Fire Holds Ribbon-Cutting Of 9/11 Memorial Park: PHOTOS

SYOSSET, NY — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Sunday morning in Syosset for the new Firefighters Memorial Park, which features two steel beams recovered from ground zero of the World Trade Centers.

The emotional ceremony, held in the park across from the Syosset Fire District's headquarters, began around 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

"The project was a joint effort between the 2 entities and is a beautiful tribute to the Department’s members that died in the line of duty, along with the tribute to those that died on September 11, 2001, and those who have succumbed to 9-11 related illnesses," Giovanni Graceffa, the commissioner of the fire district, wrote in a Facebook post.

Barry Gliner, who attended the event, estimated that 75 to 100 people attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony in addition to about 30 firefighters.

"Very somber but a nice dedication," he wrote in a Facebook message. "The park is very peaceful."

Graceffa led the ceremony, which included a benediction and blessing from department deacon Ted Kolakowski. Joseph Saladino, supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay, and former state Sen. Carl Marcellino spoke, paying tribute to the four department members whose names appear on the "Line of Duty Deaths" monument. Family members placed a Maltese cross floral arrangement in front of the monument to honor each victim.

The ceremony also included the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner" and"God Bless America" by Syosset High School Senior Talia Schatz. Recent Syosset High School graduate Matthew Wong also performed "Taps."

"The Park is a tribute to those that gave their lives while helping and protecting others," Graceffa said.

He added: "May we never forget those that died on 9/11, especially the 343 members of the FDNY, and to those who have succumbed to 9/11 related illnesses."

The park was a joint project between the Syosset Fire District and the Town of Oyster Bay.

Below is a photo roundup of the event.

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