We will not forget.
Brooklyn’s memorial to 9/11 victims at KeySpan Park has been expanded to include all of New York City’s 416 first responders, who perished in the line of duty in the World Trade Center terror attack of September 11, 2001 – including three sets of siblings, a father and son and one police dog.
The Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance at KeySpan Park, 1904 Surf Avenue, was rededicated with two new panels, called the Tribute Walk, bringing the six-year project to its completion with a pomp-filled ceremony attended by 9/11 families, local residents and dignitaries and Hollywood actors Gary Sinise and Jon Voight, who helped with the fundraising.
Sunshine turned to rain for the assemblage as it gathered in front of the imposing 12 feet by 30 feet structure, made of granite from a Vermont quarry and the brainchild of local patriot Sol Mogelin.
“It was as if the angels had begun crying,” said Mogelin.
In its entirety, the majestic wall boasts six statues and three panels of the names and laser-engraved images of the city’s brave uniformed workers, who rushed into the burning Twin Towers never to return home.
The Brooklyn Tribute Walk honors 210 firefighters from the Fire Department of New York and one member of the New York City Fire Patrol in addition to 50 law enforcers from the New York and Port Authority police departments, three New York State court officers, two Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, one United States Secret Service member, one state trooper and Port Authority Police Department canine, Sirius.
The additions join the 155 immortalized Brooklynites, whose images gaze at mourners, who flock year round to pay their respects.
“It was a voyage given to me and I had to bring all the crew members back home,” said Mogelin, adding that work on the wall began in December 2002, followed by an expansion in November 2003 and culminating with the dedication of the Tribute Walk last week.
Against the skirl of pipes and the beat of drums, a roster of speakers took its turn on the podium, in between a roll call of the deceased.
“All the families were so thankful and appreciative for the work we have done, but at the end of the day it’s their wall, this is the place where we come to celebrate our heroes.”