How Smithtown Remembers September 11th Today, Tomorrow and the next Fifteen Years
A Reflection From the Editor
Each year, I bare my soul to our readers, as a witness to the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center. Fifteen years later, I realize I am more than a witness. I am a part of the 9/11 generation, entrusted with a quest to preserve and honor the events of September 11th, 2001. For nearly 15 years, the city that never sleeps was my backyard. But, I’ve never be prouder to see a community pay tribute to those loved ones, neighbors and strangers lost on September 11th, like they have for the last 15 years, here in my home town. I traveled around our beautiful town to document the way Smithtown pays tribute to the thousands of heroes that were born on September 11th, 2001.
As the Fifteenth anniversary of September 11th, approached, there were countless acts of support and awareness within the community, from hanging flags at half mast to Ribbons tied around trees on every block. However, after receiving an anonymous tip about a Smithtown Couple, who placed 343 flags on their front lawn, I was left speechless. A very pregnant Marceline Bachert wanted a way to honor her husband’s fallen FDNY brethren that would raise awareness in the younger generations around town. So she arranged 343 American Flags on her front lawn in 90 degree weather. Joe Bachert, who was injured due to the attacks on September 11th, 2001, is now retired from the FDNY.
The entire hamlet of Nesconset, celebrated their 26th Annual Nesconset Day Street Fair today. Amidst the fun and entertainment, the entire fair paused to pay homage to those who perished on September 11th. Town Clerk, Vincent Puleo MC’d the ceremony with the help of John Feal and Martin Aponte, the men behind our beautiful Responders Remembered Park. Local officials including Congressman Lee Zeldin, Comptroller John Kennedy, Legislator Leslie Kennedy and Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick stood side by side with Firefighters and the Color Guard to read the names of our neighbors, who did not survive the terrorist attacks. The name reading was led by FDNY firefighter and Nesconset Volunteer fire Chief, Jim Keane.
Just a few months ago, on a perfect June day, I had the privilege of witnessing an extraordinary farewell to St. James resident and 9/11 hero, Chief Larry Stack. Thousands of Stack’s FDNY brothers traveled to Saint James, blanketed the streets surrounding Saints Phillips and James Church, for one final Salute. Nearly fifteen years after his death, Chief Larry Stack’s final farewell was commensurable to the funeral procession of Father Judge. While it may only be a small comfort, Chief Stack’s funeral was a reminder to us all, that no amount of time will ever minimize or degrade the memory of so many brave and innocent lives lost on September 11th.
Fifteen years ago, thousands of heroes were born, many of whom did not survive long enough to experience reciprocated gratitude. Fifteen years later, every major road throughout the hamlets of Smithtown is adorned with American Flags. Fifteen years later, shop owners are offering emergency responders meals on the house or delivering lunch to their local EMS dispatch. Fifteen years later young parents are teaching their children why attention must be paid. Fifteen years later, while some may have forgotten… The people of Smithtown are forever reminding all others, that here, in our town, We Will Always Remember.
Nelson Mandela once said “Courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” When we remember the 2,977 lives taken, the 6,000 injured, and the 21,000 plus now sick due to 9/11 related illness, let us never forget the bravery and acts of selflessness exhibited by each man and woman alike. When we remember September 11th, 2001, let us never forget the hundreds of thousands of Acts of kindness that were exhibited on that day and the days afterwards. When we Remember September 11th, let us never forget that in our darkest hours, the very finest in mankind was unveiled and led us to the light.