Marine Park residents wore red, white, and blue to honor their heroes.
Community members attended the 13th annual Marine Park 9-11 Memorial decked out in patriotic colors to remember the day that changed their lives forever. State Sen. Marty Golden (R–Bay Ridge) was the Master of Ceremonies at the memorial filled with patriotic tributes — the Marines Corps gave the fallen a rifle salute, Girl Scout troops handed out American flags and candles, and the Good Shepherd Choir sang the national anthem.
Even though it has been years since that tragic day, one local said the community is still grieving the loss — but at least at the memorial, they are grieving together.
“Even so many years later, every year is so emotional,” said Lisa Lankford, who lives in Marine Park and attended the event with her family. “There is a really good sense of community.”
The memorial was heartwarming but also incredibly heart wrenching for one resident who is a clerical worker at a police department and talked to many workers right before they died.
“It means a lot to me to know I spoke to someone five minutes before they never came home,” said Rhoda Dalton, who lives in Marine Park. “I lost 23 uniformed men and neighbors.”
She said the ceremony was a touching tribute to the victims and the patriotism was powerful.
“It is beautiful,” said Dalton. “It touches my heart every year.”
