| Photo by Troi Santos
MASPETH, NY – New York State District 30 Assemblymember Steven Raga joined the Maspeth community in a solemn ceremony on September 9 at the Maspeth Memorial Park to commemorate the heroes and victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.
Speaking before his constituents, Raga expressed his gratitude to the World Trade Center Memorial Ceremony, organizers of the event, and family members and friends. He emphasized the importance of remembering the lives lost during the attacks and the ongoing need to support the first responders who continue to carry the physical and emotional scars of that tragic day.
Among those honored were residents Cono Gallo, Jennifer Mazzotta, Lieutenant Kenneth Phelan, Firefighter Christopher Pickford, Firefighter Michael Weinberg, Firefighter Matthew E. Barnes, Lieutenant Mario Bastidas, Firefighter Thomas G. Oelkers, Firefighter Jack Boyle, and Firefighter Michael Cawley.
The heroes of Hazmat 1, including Firefighter Dennis Carey, Lieutenant John Crisci, Firefighter Martin Demeo, Battalion Chief John Fanning, Firefighter Thomas Gardner, Firefighter John Giordano, Firefighter Jonathan Hohmann, Captain Thomas Moody, Firefighter Dennis Scauso, Firefighter Kevin Smith, and Captain Patrick Waters, were likewise remembered and praised for their courageous service.
Squad 288 heroes, Firefighter Peter Brennan, Lieutenant Ronnie Gies, Firefighter Joseph Hunter, Firefighter Jonathan Ielpi, Lieutenant Ronald Kerwin, Firefighter Adam Rand, Firefighter Brian Sweeney, and Firefighter Timothy Welty, were remembered with deep reverence during the ceremony.
Squad 288/Hazmat 1 endured the most significant loss of firefighters of any FDNY firehouse during the attacks.
The event was hosted by Kenneth Rudezewick and commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Kathleen Nealon’s soulful rendition of the national anthem and an opening prayer by Father Wilson of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church set the tone for the solemn occasion. A moment of silence was observed, followed by the laying of the wreath by FDNY representatives.
Mike Aylward read the heroes’ names while American flags were ceremoniously planted in front of the monument by the designated flag bearer. Children from the St. Stanislaus Kostka Church sang “God Bless America” twice during the moving ceremony.
Elected officials who joined Raga in the event include congresswoman Grace Meng, who passed by before the tribute started, councilman Robert Holden, state Senator Michael Gianaris, and Queens Borough president Donovan Richards.
