HUNTINGTON, NY – September 11, 2026
Firefighters, police officers, veterans, elected officials, families and members of the community gathered at Heckscher Park on September 10 for the Town of Huntington’s 25th Anniversary September 11 Memorial Service, honoring the Huntington residents who were lost in the attacks and remembering those who later died from 9/11-related illnesses.
Supervisor Ed Smyth opened the ceremony and the Color Guard presented the colors. Those gathered joined together in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem performed by Louis DiLeo, Colonel in the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Band.
A Nation Changed Forever
Monsignor Steven Camp delivered the invocation, reflecting on how September 11 changed the country and how Americans responded in the days that followed.
“Twenty-five years ago this night, America slept for the last time as a country believing that we were immune and safe from the horrors of the world,” Camp said. “Twenty-five years ago tomorrow, we went to bed distraught, and 25 years ago on September 12, we went to bed with a resolve that we could not be broken.”
“What was intended to destroy us brought us together,” he continued. “Those who went to work that September morning did not set out to become heroes or martyrs. They went as ordinary citizens simply to do their jobs.”
He added that their lives and sacrifice continue to carry a message 25 years later.
“Those who perished that day continue to inspire us, reminding us that as a nation we are strongest when we work together. Today we honor their sacrifice with the sacred promise to never forget. We pray for our nation, we pray for ourselves, that we may live up to the promise forged in the blood of those who were taken from us that day.”
Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth said “we stand together and remember one of the worst days in American history and which saw some of the bravest acts in American History. A quarter of a Century after 2001, an estimated 100 million Americans have been born or are too young to remember that fateful day, but many are still experiencing that effects and loss of September 11th and post September 11th illnesses….we have a moment of silence to formally honor the rescue, recovery, relief workers, and civilians have died from 911 related illnesses and injury caused in the aftermath….through this moment of silence we are ensuring that a new generation understand the tragedy and honors the victims and the profound bravery passion and community services demonstrated by first responders, volunteers, and everyday citizens. We will always honor those heroes who were lost in 911. Here in Huntington it is at this memorial site that we will also honor the bravery of the first responders and everyday heroes who ran towards it. As Supervisor of the Town of Huntington I stand with you today to memorialize not only those who were lost, but to honor those who remain to carry the message of hope, perseverance, and remembrance and that we will Never Forget.”
Members of the Huntington Town Board then read aloud the names of Huntington residents who died on September 11, 2001. As each name was spoken, members of the Huntington Veterans Advisory Board placed a rose in remembrance at the Memorial while Louis DiLeo rang a bell after each name, creating a pause for reflection and allowing each individual to be remembered separately.
A Community United in Remembrance
The service concluded with Louis DiLeo singing God Bless America inviting the Community to join in, John Martin played Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, followed by closing remarks and benediction from Monsignor Camp ” We pause, we remember, we reflect upon their lives, their love and their service”, after which Tom Butterfield played “Taps” before the colors were retired and the memorial service came to a close.
The evening’s Color Guard represented numerous veterans organizations, including the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, Disabled American Veterans, Women Veterans, Huntington Detachment Marine Corps League #792, Veterans of Foreign Wars divisions, American Legion members, Jewish War Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America and Greenlawn American Legion Riders Chapter #1244.
Twenty-five years later, the ceremony was not only about remembering the horror and loss of September 11, but also the courage, sacrifice and unity that followed.
Each name was spoken.
Each life was remembered. And once again, Huntington renewed its promise: Never Forget.
Photography by Diane Schaber. Videography by June Margolin.
