East Williston Honors 9/11 with Community Remembrance Ceremony

By Jim Daw

On the evening of September 11th, the East Williston community gathered at the 9/11 Memorial on the Village Green to honor the lives lost and remember the heroism of that tragic day. This solemn tradition serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of September 11, 2001, and ensures that the lessons of that fateful day will never be forgotten.

Mayor Parente, joined by members of the Village Board, welcomed participants and introduced Pastor Ed Palafox of the Community Church, who began the ceremony with a poignant invocation. In her address, Mayor Parente emphasized the importance of remembering not only the lives taken but also the bravery of those who responded to the crisis on what had started as a serene, late summer morning. She also paid tribute to the five East Williston residents who were lost that day—Michael Cahill, Jonathan Connors, Robert Jordan, Thomas Kuveikis (FDNY), and Peter Owens, Jr.

Reflecting on her own experience, Mayor Parente recounted the fear she felt for the safety of her two brothers, both of whom were members of the FDNY. She then invited long-time East Williston resident Joe Masters to share his personal memories. Joe, a former Village Trustee and EWFD firefighter, was working in lower Manhattan on 9/11 and expressed the concern he had for his sons, who were also in the Financial District that day. Thankfully, they all returned home safely, though Joe himself has since suffered health issues related to the dust and debris inhaled after the Towers collapsed.

In a powerful visual tribute, the turnout gear worn by FDNY veteran and East Williston resident Joe Monachelli in response to the disaster was placed on display, serving as a silent testament to the bravery and sacrifice shown on that day.

The ceremony concluded with the community joining together in singing “God Bless America” while holding lit candles in honor of all who were lost. Mayor Parente reminded attendees that an entire generation has been born since 9/11, and that ceremonies like this one are crucial for keeping the memory alive for those who did not experience it firsthand.

As always, the gathering was yet another way for East Williston to come together as a community, united in strength and support, just as it did in the aftermath of 9/11.