MELVILLE, NY – September 12, 2026
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, firefighters, police officers, elected officials, neighbors and friends gathered at the Melville Fire Department for an evening of remembrance, honoring members of our community whose lives were lost that day.
As we entered beneath a large American flag, each person was given a candle to carry. At the memorial, photographs of those we lost were placed in a circle, a powerful reminder that behind every name is a person, a family and a community that still remembers.
The evening began with the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by speakers who reflected on September 11, the fear, tears and confusion of that day, but also the unity that followed. In the face of tragedy, Americans came together to support one another and refused to allow hatred to define us.
Each name was read aloud. The crowd then followed members of the Melville Fire Department to the memorial, where candles and flowers were placed beside the photographs in a quiet tribute to lives that will never be forgotten.
A special thank you to the Melville Fire Department, the 9/11 Committee and everyone who works each year to bring our community together for this meaningful evening of remembrance and unity.
Photography by Dana E. Richter.
