Brooklynites the borough across dressed in red, white, and blue to honor the memory of those who perished on 9-11 at three separate events marking the 15th anniversary of a day that shook our city and country.
In Sheepshead Bay, community members gathered in front of the 9-11 mural in Bill Brown Park that includes names of 400 southern Brooklynites who died in the attacks. Speakers shared stories of loved ones lost, and some who made it out of the World Trade Center discussed their experiences.
Boy Scout Troop 238 served as the color guard for the event, leading the ceremony with a parade of flags. It was an experience that will hopefully stick with the kids — many of whom were not born when the towers fell, but can learn a lesson from their demise — according to their scout master.
“I feel it’s important for the young children to know what was going on during 2001,” said David Migdal, scout master for troop 238. “And hopefully we can convey a message that it’s better to solve things peacefully through diplomacy than with violence and weapons.”
And Bay Ridgites commemorated the fallen at the American Veterans Memorial Pier with prayer, a three-volley rifle salute by the New York City Recruiting Battalion, and patriotic musical performances by the Xaverian High School Pipe and Drums.
Residents and local pols packed the pier to join state Sen. Martin Golden (R–Bay Ridge) in paying tribute to the victims.
“It’s hard to believe that 15 years have passed since that day that changed our country forever,” Golden told the crowd. “Many things have changed, but what remains constant is our resolve to show terrorists across this world that, despite their cowardly attempt to destroy our nation, brave Americans continue to stand tall, shoulder to shoulder.”
Golden also hosted a Marine Park tribute where the local girl scout troop handed out American flags, community members came together in a moment of silence, and a veteran played military funerary staple “Taps” on a bugle. Memory of the event and those who died on that day must continue to be preserved, said one attendee.
“It was important for me to be there, because America is my home and we have to come out and show our support,” said Barry Berger, the Vietnam vet who played the bugle. “It’s 15 years later and people are starting to forget. We have to remind people. We can never forget.”
