Names Hansen, Austin, 1910-1996 (Photographer) Collection Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security.TitleView of Unity Funeral Home, in Harlem, New York, as mourners are gathered outside As the hundreds of Seaford residents proudly sang at the conclusion of the Patriot Award Dinner, let us all proudly proclaim, “God Bless America!” We owe it our nation, and all those who were murdered that day, not to divide against ourselves from within, but rather to do all we can to recapture the unity we had then, and never forget that we are still the greatest nation on earth. Instead we emerged more united than ever.

The terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 could not destroy us or break our spirit.

If we could work together on issues where we agree, try to find common ground where we disagree and do so respectfully, always remembering that we are Americans. If the sense of unity and respect that Americans had in the days, weeks and months after the attacks could somehow be re-established. Longtime Seaford High officials Tom Condon and Ray Buckley, who played strong leadership roles in forming the Memorial Committee and have continued their efforts to this day, spoke movingly, and then led everyone in an emotional and spirited rendition of “God Bless America.”Īll these good, hardworking people gathered to show their unfailing dedication and commitment to their community and country more than two decades after America’s darkest hour exemplify patriotism at its best.Īs I left that night, I thought about how wonderful it would be if the spirit of selfless dedication and commitment that these Seaford residents still demonstrate could once again predominate in our divided country. The student scholarship winners were very impressive, as were the Honorary Patriot Award recipients. I also gave a special hello to my sister, Barbara, a Seaford High graduate who put so much effort into making the dinner a success. Walking through the room and seeing so many neighbors, friends and other familiar faces, I was pleased and reassured by the number of young people who were there who weren’t yet born on Sept. Somehow their spirit remains as strong as ever - as does the spirit of the other 9/11 families. No family has endured more than the Haskells. With Ken at the table were his mother, Maureen his wife, Genene and their sons Kenny and Ryan Ken’s sister, Dawn and Tom’s widow, Barbara. Tom and Tim Haskell were heroic members of the FDNY, as was their brother, Ken, who survived that day, and has dedicated so much to the Memorial Committee, serving as its president. He officiated at funerals for victims of the attacks, and showed a level of compassion and concern that did so much to help not only the victims’ families through those days of sadness and despair, but the Seaford community as well.

William the Abbot in Seaford in September 2001. Patrick’s Parish in Huntington, was a priest at St. There was the energy of people who have been working for over two decades to ensure that the memories and legacy of that day are preserved, along with respect for those who died and their family members, who were at the dinner, as they have been at so many commemorations over the years.Īmong those sitting at my table were Monsignor Steve Camp and members of the Haskell family. The mood in the room was a mix of energy and respect. As always, there was a large turnout, more than 300 people. This year’s Patriot Award Dinner was held at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

District students make field trips to the 9/11 Memorial at ground zero.

Honorary Patriot Awards have been presented to 59 people who selflessly service the Seaford community.

Since 2002, Patriot Award scholarships totaling more than $235,000 have been given to 112 deserving Seaford High seniors who reflect the values of the five graduates who died on 9/11.

11, more than 1,000 people attend a memorial at the plaza - last year, undaunted by a driving rain.

Unity funeral home new york city