On Wednesday, September 11, the community of Glen Cove gathered at Morgan Park at sundown to honor and remember the victims of the terrorist attacks on New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania that took place on September 11, 2001. The ceremony was held at the pavilion, overlooking Manhattan. Extraordinarily strong winds did not deter more than 100 men, women and children from attending the ceremony, many dressed in red, white and blue and carried American flags.

A color guard comprised of Glen Cove police and firefighters flanked by members of the Harbor Patrol and EMS solemnly marched from the parking lot down to the pavilion and were greeted with resounding applause from grateful friends and neighbors. Bob Lynch accompanied the color guard while playing patriotic pieces on the bagpipes, and the melancholy sound was carried on the wind.

Mayor Mary Ann Holzkamp welcomed the crowd, saying that "We are here as a family sharing things a family shares: the same courage, the same love, the same compassion and the same resolve." Asking for a moment of silence, she asked that all present "pray that [the victims'] families continue to receive the strength they need to accept such a devastating loss," and encouraged prayers "for our nation's men and women in uniform and for the countless people who have worked tirelessly at the disaster sites."

The mayor was joined at the podium by city council members and by Glen Cove resident Victoria Crosby, who read her original poem entitled, A Tribute to Heroes. Following that, Adrienne LaParr played Taps on her bugle and Bob Lynch brought tears to any eyes that were not already wet as he played Amazing Grace.

To conclude the evening, Chief Billy Neice of the Glen Cove Fire Department laid a wreath at the foot of the flagpole, while Old Glory stood unfurled at half-mast. The wreath was to have been taken out into the sound by the harbor patrol, and dropped into the water, but the turbulent weather conditions made it impossible.

It was a meaningful evening to remember, venerating a day no American will ever forget.