WTC
Tragedy Remembered:
September 11, 2006
9-11 Memorial Service
Hasbrouck Heights held Memorial
Services commemorating the 5th Anniversary of September 11th, 7:00 p.m. at the
Firemen’s Memorial Park at The Circle. The theme was, "Honoring Heights
Responders."
The program was led by Council
President Thomas E. Meli and began with the Corpus Christi Choir singing "America The
Beautiful."
Meli led the assembly in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
The invocation, remembering great
courage, service and sacrifice, was given by Rev. Dianna Smith, Pastor, First Reformed
Church.
Mayor Ronald R. Jones read a
litany recalling the people and events affected by 9/11; the gathering refrained, "We
Remember Great Courage."
Rev. Dr. Karyn Wiseman, Pastor,
First United Methodist Church and former chaplain of the Kansas City Police and Fire
Department, provided the meditation.
She spoke about the danger to our
first responders and about their risking their lives for their community and responding to
their fellow responders of 9/11 who were in need.
She said, "This evening is
an opportunity for us as a community to say thank you, and to remember those who answered
the call and responded to Ground Zero with the hope of rescuing someone."
She read a poem, "Heroes
Among Us." She reminded us that we must remember it was more than 9/11, it’s
that they respond every single day of every year.
The choir led the gathering in
the "Star Spangled Banner."
Guest speakers, Fire Chief Joseph
Taylor Jr., and Firefighter Thomas Rubino (both responded to Ground Zero) spoke on
behalf of the members of the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, Police Department and EMS
personnel who responded, thanking everyone for remembering; emphasizing that they are not
really heroes, although they appreciate the title.
Rubino said, "We love what
we do. And it is what we do. And on that day, all of those responders did what they do
best. They responded!
It has often been said that
firefighters run into buildings while everyone runs out -- and on that day many of those
who were not firefighters, ran into those buildings, and gave their lives without a second
thought.
I watched civilians, police and
firefighters dig with their bare hands hour after hour.
It’s what we do. Were merely
the guy next door and the guy who runs the shop.
A phoenix arose from the dust and
rubble in New York City. That phoenix has made the United States of America stronger; it
has made every one of these first responders develop a stronger commitment to continue to
do what we do best -- It is to respond.
From the bottom of our hearts we
say, thank you. Never, ever forget September 11 and that this is still the United States
of America."
Mr. Meli read the names of those
from Hasbrouck Heights who responded.
The choir led the everyone in
singing "Amazing Grace."
Rev. Dr. Michael Avila provided
the Benediction.
Dr. Avila was part of the Clergy
based at St. Paul’s Chapel who ministered to the responders, some who worked one, two
and three shifts in a row, if only to try and find someone. He concluded with a prayer and
blessing.
Robert Miller, who was killed in
the attack was remembered. Paul Carris, who survived the attack, was recognized for his
heroism.
The program concluded with Conchita Parker and
the Corpus Christi Choir singing "God Bless America." ###
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