Village to Mark 10th Anniversary of 9/11 at Memorial Garden

As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the Village of Lindenhurst has put together plans to mark the occasion at the Memorial Garden created in memory of the events of that day and the , including Susan M. Clyne, Joseph Angelini, Jr., Joseph Angelini, Sr., Tara Moore Debek, Geoffrey E. Guja, Gary H. Lee and .

recently convened a committee to set the ceremony for this year’s anniversary, Doug Madlon told Lindenhurst Patch.

“There will be a 10-year commemoration starting at 4 p.m. And there will be a silent procession from Village Square to the garden, followed by a memorial service,” he said.

The Lindenhurst Remembers 9/11 Memorial Garden – which the First Precinct is and the village and finally saw before the anniversary this year, said Madlon – is located at Byrd Street and Irmisch Avenue. It was conceived during the administration of former Mayor Linda Distler.

“People were coming to her and said, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a garden?’” noted Madlon. "And there was this young man, Joseph Maciello, maybe 14 or 15 at the time, who had a vision of a quiet spot, amid all the trees at that site, with a garden.”

The Lindenhurst Remembers Committee was soon formed following the tragic events of 9/11 consisting of surviving family members, members of the village administration, the Lindenhurst Fire Department and community members. It was headed up by Distler and Madlon, who served as co-chairpersons.

The committee’s recommendations were adopted by the village. That was the beginning of what was to be an approximately $300,000 project, according to Mayor Brennan.

“We created a garden with running water, a stream,” he said. “Benches, lighting and special fencing. And a stone with the name of each person who lost their lives etched in it. We got some Suffolk County and New York State grants, but we also did fundraising.”

The building was finished in 2006, and it was dedicated in 2007. The number of people participating in the annual 9/11 ceremonies at the garden has increased to close to 300.

“This year there will probably be even more, because of the anniversary,” said Madlon.

In previous years Mayor Brennan has led A Walk to Remember and Candelight Vigil, honoring the residents who lost their lives on 9/11.

Like the one planned for this year, the silent procession commences at the Village Square at the corner of East Hoffman and North Wellwood Avenues, and winds its way to the garden, where in previous years a variety of activities have taken place – including placing roses at the individual stones, singing Let There Be Peace on Earth and a prayer.

Last year, participants heard comments from such dignitaries as Congressman Peter King and former Congressman Rick Lazio.

“We have a moment of silence for each village resident that passed,” said Madlon. “Family members place flowers. A church choir sings. People share their feelings. It’s a very emotional moment.“

This year Mayor Brennan hopes the program will be just a little more special.