The tragedy of September 11th was an attack on not just New York City, but one at the heart of America. Living in Syosset, 9/11 is an event that has affected many of our community’s family members, going as far as taking our loved ones. Being just around an hour from the twin towers, it’s no wonder that 9/11 holds a significant place in all our hearts. Nearly 3000 civilians died instantly, and that number unfortunately doubles when we look to the individuals that have suffered from the health effects afterwards. Nearly every family in Syosset has a member that can give a first hand description of what they saw on that day.
While 9/11 was a heartbreaking day for all New Yorkers, it also brought the best out of our citizens. On that day, all ways in and out of NYC were shut down, but hundreds of strangers came together to open a path to safety. Over 500,000 people rode onto boats to safety in just nine hours, marking this the largest boat rescue in US history. Tens of thousands of first responders rushed to the site, risking their own lives for the possibility of saving another’s. These selfless actions also took the lives of 343 firefighters, including one of our own Syosset heroes.
We gather together on this day, not only to remember a tragedy that will guide us to a better nation, but to pay our respects to the ones who sacrifice for our community. This memorial is one of AYLUS Syosset’s biggest events, having a turnout of around 50 students. Two of our very talented volunteers stepped up to create a beautiful piece of art, which every student signed, to give to the fire department and their officers. Volunteers also contributed bouquets of flowers or handmade treats for the station. During the ceremony, everyone listened to speeches, honoring our town’s very own first responders. After the speeches, every officer followed by the public were invited to step down into the memorial and put down their candles. We are proud to be a part of the candle light ceremony every year, and to honor the heroes of Syosset.
Never forget.
Report written by Rachel Zhang.
Volunteers and hours:
Rachel Zhang: 2 hours
Elva Chen: 2 hours
Nicole Zhang: 4 hours
Cynthia Chen: 4 hours
Christopher Chen: 4 hours
Connie Chen: 4 hours
Yue Chan: 4 hours
Khloe Wang: 4 hours
Kourtney Wang: 4 hours
Justyn Lam: 4 hours
Jayden Lam: 4 hours
Jacey Lam: 4 hours
Kingston Lu: 2 hours
Aiden Zheng: 4 hours
Jolin Zheng: 2 hours
Kexuan Chen: 4 hours
Harven Xie: 4 hours
Olivia Huang: 4 hours
Aiden Chen: 4 hours
Michelle Huang: 4 hours
Selina Lin: 4 hours
Arthur Zhang: 2 hours
Alicia Chen: 4 hours
Alina Chen: 4 hours
Lucille Lam: 4 hours
Anson Ye: 4 hours
Vincent Ye: 4 hours
Jianie Huang: 4 hours
Nicole Chen: 4 hours
Andrew Lin: 4 hours
Aiden Lin: 4 hours
Audrey Lin: 4 hours
Cliff Xiao: 4 hours
Kyle Xiao: 4 hours
Aaron Gross: 4 hours
Claire Chen: 4 hours
Tiffany Chan: 4 Hours