Fourth Sept. 11 anniversary ceremony held in Veterans Memorial Park

WARWICK - It was the third anniversary of a day that no one in this generation will ever forget. On Sunday morning, Sept. 11, a small crowd of local residents, public officials, representatives of the Warwick Citizens World Trade Center Memorial Committee, the Warwick and New York City Fire Departments and others gathered in Veterans Memorial Park. They were there to join members of American Legion Post 214 and the Warwick Police Department in a brief ceremony, organized by the Legion, to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Seven local residents perished on that day. On Oct. 19, 2002, the Warwick Citizens Memorial, which stands in Veterans Memorial Park, was officially dedicated to their courage and sacrifice. Guests who were invited to speak on the occasion included state Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, Orange County Legislator Ben Winstanley, Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard. During the ceremony, a bell was sounded at 8:45 a.m., the time the first aircraft struck the World Trade Center. The flag was lowered to half-staff as Nick Lesando played taps. Maureen Space, a member of the American Legion, read the names of those honored on the Warwick Memorial and the Odd Fellows Kazoo band played Amazing Grace. The ceremony concluded with a prayer.