‘We will Never Forget’ was the theme at a recent event honoring 9/11 survivors who later succumbed to 9/11 related diseases.
The Annual 9/11 Naming Ceremony was held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park, located at the corner of Gibbs Pond Road & Smithtown Boulevard.
Comptroller Kennedy commented, “Suffolk County Legislator Kennedy and I were honored to attend the 15th Annual Ceremony of acknowledging the brave 9/11 first responders who passed from illnesses contracted from their service to our Nation. These courageous men and women will be remembered forever in a place dedicated to peace, tranquility and quiet reverence. Bless these American heroes!”
The event honored the brave responders who have lost their lives to 9/11-related illnesses, with their names being etched in stone and read aloud. At this heartfelt tribute, County Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr. joined Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, Chief Assistant District Attorney Allen Bode, County Clerk Vincent Puleo, Legislator Leslie Kennedy, NYS Senator Mario Mattera, NYS Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick and many other officials as well as the families and friends of those we have lost.
The mission of the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park, Inc. included building a park that would recognize the heroes who have died and continue to die since the September 11th Attacks.
Sadly, over 350 names were added to the Wall this year. The inscribed names in this dedicated space belong to loved ones who were courageous and selfless. On this emotional day, friends and relatives remembered and revered all those who ultimately sacrificed their lives in the rescue and recovery effort at the attack sites. It was a sunny day where friends and strangers alike comforted each other.