A candlelight vigil and service of respect, remembrance and hope was held at the Farmingdale High School Football Field on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 7. The event was hosted by the Farmingdale School District and the Farmingdale Community Summit Council and was sponsored by the East Farmingdale, Farmingdale, South Farmingdale, North Massapequa and North Amityville Fire Departments.

Hundreds of local residents gathered at Farmingdale High School's Football Field to pay respect for the victims and those affected by the events of Sept. 11 and to show their patriotism for their country, as well as their hopes for the future.

The event began with a procession of emergency services and representatives from every local school, led by the Nassau County Emerald Society. Residents then participated in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, led by Farmingdale School District Fine Arts Director Rita Padden. "[Patriotic symbols] like this reflect the spirit and pride of the United States," Padden said.

North Massapequa Fire Commissioner and Community Summit Member Frank Nocerino then welcomed those in attendance and said that the vigil is giving all local residents an opportunity to pay tribute to those who displayed such heroic actions and saved thousands of lives on Sept. 11, even if it meant losing their own. "Today we pay tribute to our friends in our community who lost their lives in this cowardly act of terrorism." Nocerino recognized local families who lost a husband, a father, or a brother that day, and commended the men for their acts of heroism. "Their actions along with the members of the emergency services in New York are credited with saving 25,000 lives," he said. "Your husbands are heroes and will never be forgotten."

He noted that the entire Farmingdale community should recognize the efforts of another group of heroes, local volunteers and school district members. "The members of our volunteer fire department and our school district who responded and worked hand in hand with the members of the city of New York Fire, Police and emergency services on Sept. 11," he said, adding that many of the volunteers of the Farmingdale Fire Department are also members of city fire and police departments as well as emergency service. "[They] still come home every day to volunteer in our fire departments to protect each and every one of us," he said.

Nocerino also thanked the community, who volunteered much time and assistance to help in the relief efforts, particularly school children. "You are our future and we assure you that as you grow up and look back at the tragic events, and yes you will remember all the sad stories of Sept. 11, but you'll also remember, and never forget, that even though an attempt was made to take away our freedom, it was unsuccessful. You must remember how the community you lived and grew up in, of Farmingdale, and as New Yorkers, bonded together and got stronger because we live in a great nation and we are Americans, and no one will take this freedom away from us."

The first reading of the evening was offered by a representative of the Farmingdale Jewish Center, who had a special message from the vacationing rabbi. "He said he will spend some portion of today at Israel's most famous site, the Western Wall, praying for the souls of the heroes whose lives were sacrificed and for their families," he said.

Readings were also presented by Rev. Rodney Eberhardt, Rev. Eldon Simpson, Rev. Theodore Bean, Rev. Monsignor James P. Swiader and Deacon Frank Barone, chaplain of the Farmingdale Fire Department. Community Summit Chairman Tom Sabellico also read the Fireman's Prayer and Board of Education President Anthony Vitale read the Policeman's Prayer. Readings were also presented by Dr. Roberta Gerold, Farmingdale Schools superintendent and Kenneth Ulric, president of the Farmingdale Federation of Teachers. In addition, choral selections were performed by students of Albany Avenue and Saltzman East Memorial Elementary School, Northside and Woodward Parkway Elementary Schools, Howitt Middle School and Farmingdale High School.

Everybody left the football field to the heartwarming sounds of America the Beautiful, feeling much pride for their community and its residents.

When I am called to duty God

where ever flames may rage

give me strength to save a life

what ever be its age.

Help me to embrace a little child

before it is too late

or save an older person

from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert

to hear the weakest shout

and quickly and efficiently

to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling

and to give the best in me

to guard my neighbor

and protect his property.

And if according to your will

I have to lose my life

bless with your protecting hand

my loving family from strife.

Oh almighty God,

Whose great power and eternal

Wisdom embraces the universe,

Watch over all Policemen and

Law Enforcement Officers.

Protect them from harm

In the performance of their duty

To stop crime, robberies,

Riots and violence.

We pray, help them keep our streets

And homes safe day and night.

We recommend them to your loving care

Because their duty is dangerous.

Grant them your unending strength and

Courage in their daily assignments.

Dear God protect these brave

Men and Women.

Grant them your almighty protection,

Unite them safely with their

Families after duty has ended.