Under a crisp September sky nearly identical to 24 years ago, the community gathered Wednesday evening at the Center Moriches Fire Department’s Memorial Park to remember the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The ceremony, led by Fire Chief Brian Deedy, was held at the department’s monument to the tragedy, which features a steel beam recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
The solemn program began with the presentation of colors by fire service members, followed by Molly Hart delivering a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Later, the mournful strains of Taps, played by Ryan Dalton, echoed across the crowd of residents, first responders, and officials who assembled to honor the fallen.
The Siol Na H’eireann bagpipe band lent a poignant note, performing Amazing Grace, the Minstrel Boy, and other ballads that have become hallmarks of remembrance ceremonies across the country. Their music added to the weight of the moment as the reverence of the attendees shone through.
In addition to Center Moriches firefighters, members of the East Moriches Fire Department and Community Ambulance as well as the Manorville Fire Department and Ambulance joined in the tribute, standing shoulder-to-shoulder as a symbol of unity.
A highlight of the evening was the chiming of a fire department bell, rung at the memorial as part of a long-standing fire service tradition. For more than 150 years, bells have marked the beginning of a firefighter’s shift, signaled alarms during calls, and solemnly tolled to honor those who have given their lives in the line of duty. The Center Moriches Fire Department also sounded its siren, sending a reminder through the community of the sacrifice remembered each September 11.
Fire Commissioner John DeLong noted that the Memorial Park had recently been upgraded thanks to local contributions. “This project was possible because of donations from Desi Masonry Supply, All American Concrete, and electrician Kevin Schrage,” DeLong said. “Their generosity made sure this sacred space is preserved for generations.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, a Center Moriches resident, addressed the gathering, reflecting on the human toll of the tragedy. “As we stand here tonight, we have tears in our eyes for the victims of 9/11,” Romaine said. “The attacks claimed so many lives that day, but even more died afterward from illnesses caused by their service at Ground Zero. Sons and daughters have since stepped forward to serve in the footsteps of parents who were lost. We must never forget the courage and commitment of those who protect America.”
State Senator Dean Murray reminded the audience of both the heroism and the unity that defined the days surrounding the tragedy. “On that terrible morning, while most were running away from danger, police officers, firefighters, first responders, and military personnel were running toward it,” Murray said. “That bravery must never be forgotten. And we should also remember September 12, when Americans came together as one people—united under God—in the strongest, most powerful nation on earth.”
Legislator Jim Mazzarella spoke of the importance of remembrance at the community level. “This ceremony is one of my favorites because it is so close to where we live—it feels more personal and more intimate,” Mazzarella said. “It’s also a great teaching moment. Many young people here weren’t even born yet or were too young to remember. We must pledge to never forget and to continue telling the story.”
The ceremony closed with a blessing from Rev. John Fleischmann of Christ Lutheran Church, who also serves as chaplain of the East Moriches Fire Department. Standing before the memorial beam, he consecrated the monument.
“I consecrate and bless this renewed monument in memory of all who lost their lives and those who lost loved ones in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen,” Rev. Fleischmann intoned.
For his invocation, the pastor read from a hymn he had written for a 2018 memorial service, titled “O Lord, for Those Who Brave the Flame.”
“O Lord, for those who brave the flame and serve their neighbor in Your Name, watch over them by night and day, as they the fiery dragon slay. Defend them from all death and harm as they respond to each alarm,” he read.
He then extended the blessing to police officers: “For all who serve defending us from crime and dread, watch over them who bear this shield. With your protection, keep them sealed. Lord, grant them wisdom, peace, and grace, to further justice in each case.”