We will never forget

On the morning of Sunday, Sept. 8, Brightwaters residents gathered at the head of the canal at Ackerson Plaza to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11.

The interactive flag ceremony has been hosted by the Village of Brightwaters for over 20 years. The village provided 3,000 mini flags for volunteers to place in recognition of all the lives lost on the tragic day, with 400 bigger flags for all the brave police officers and firefighters who lost their lives.

With many children attending, including members of local Girl Scout troops 782 and 432, kids in the generation born after the infamous day are able to learn the importance of remembering the 2,977 victims of the tragic terrorist attacks.

“My dad is a fireman in the city, and he lost nine people,” said 9-year-old Margaret Pitta, who lives in Brightwaters and is a member of Troop 782. “Now we come here every year, and we also do a few in the city. I think it is really good to put the flags down for the people.”

Also attending the ceremony was Ken Summers, a Brightwaters resident who worked in the North Tower and was severely burned in the attack. This was his first year joining other residents at the interactive memorial, and Summers was moved to see the memorial taking shape as volunteers planted the flags.

“This is a heartwarming experience,” said Summers. “This time is a difficult time of the year for me, starting in the middle of August when I start seeing articles about what anniversary this is, and how many people are sick now. So, to see this, it’s a joy for me.”