They’ll never forget.
Brooklynites gathered at the Wall of Remembrance at MCU Park in Coney Island over the weekend to pay tribute to the Big Apple’s fallen heroes at an annual mass and celebration. The tribute offers a space for the families of the first responders who died in 9/11 to celebrate their legacies, according to the founder of the wall.
“There was no closure for the families, it was really sad, but the wall has given them closure,” said Sol Moglen. “The wall is a place where we can celebrate them, not mourn them.”
Fire Department chaplain Monsignor John Delendick and Police Department chaplain Monsignor Roman Romano presided over a Catholic mass at the wall — which is located outside of MCU Park, at W. 19th Street and Surf Ave. — and the family members and friends of the fallen mingled and honored their loved ones’ memories, Moglen said.
The former Brooklynite, who said he lived in Mill Basin for much of his life and served in the Army, started construction on the wall — which boasts the photos and names of more than 400 of the city’s first responders who died in the terror attacks — in 2002, and finished it up six years later, he said, adding that its $500,000 price tag was entirely paid for by private donations. The founder said the images of those who perished ensures that visitors to the wall will remember the brave people who died while trying to save others.
“I felt we should do something not to forget them,” Moglen said. “I didn’t want just the name, I wanted faces.”
Moglen hosts three annual events at the structure, including one in the summer and a “Night Before” ceremony every September 10.
