It's hard to believe that a year ago this week the world as we knew it changed forever. The Floral Park Dispatch would like to take a moment to remember residents who lost their lives on that sunny morning that turned America upside down.

I recall what Floral Park Mayor Ann Corbett said months back, "As much as we desire to live our lives with gusto and meaning, we run the uncanny risk of being personally touched by the loss of someone we knew very well, someone we knew just a little or perhaps someone we hardly knew at all."

This rang especially true as I covered the monument unveiling for 1st Lt. Keith Fairben Monday evening. Keith was a member of Reliance Engine Company #2 in Floral Park and also served as a paramedic with New York-Columbia Presbyterian Hospital's Emergency Medical Services in Manhattan.

I never met Keith nor his parents, Ken and Diane, but was touched to see such an outpouring of community and the camaraderie of a fire department that came together to honor a fallen brother and friend. Fire Commissioner Tom Tweedy described this year as "one of the most heroic" the department's ever experienced. I believe the community knows that as Keith, who like so many others, made his last call September 11, 2001, had much to do with that.

I've been emotionally awed to see how we as Americans handled such a horrific event. How, in the face of terror, people of so many different backgrounds, races and religions, held hands, lit candles and raised flags. How even America's neighbors, particularly Canada, opened their hearts and homes to stranded passengers. Thank you.

Although it's difficult to reckon with the loss of someone dear, Mayor Corbett continued, saying, "You can be sure that in the days, weeks and years ahead...spontaneously, a story will likely surface. The name of your loved one is bound to be uttered. Maybe laughter will ensue or maybe tears. The stories will be repeated and the memories of the loved ones we celebrate will live forever." May this ring true in your hearts, minds and spirits as you find the strength to get through such a difficult time.

-Carisa Keane