On Saturday, Nov. 23, the Hicksville School District community held a special memorial and dedication ceremony to honor and remember those community members who were victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Superintendent of Schools Maureen Bright welcomed hundreds of guests, young and old, including families of victims, distinguished guests, students, parents and resident who gathered at the high school for the ceremony.

Musical selections by the Hicksville High School Wind Ensemble and the Fork Lane chorus set the tone for the day prior to the raising of the flag. At the ceremony, Hicksville residents and high school alumni Robert Senn of the New York City Fire Department and John Flynn of the New York City Police Department raised the flag that flew at Ground Zero on the high school flagpole. High school student Liliana Cabrera led the Pledge of Allegiance and alumnus Jennifer Perkowski sang the Star Spangled Banner.

A dedication ceremony followed and included the reading of the names of those community members who were lost. A bell was tapped in their honor and family members received a rose in their loved ones' memory. After a few words by Board of Education President Richard Pfaender, the memorial was unveiled. The memorial includes a new marble flagpole base with a dedication in memory of September 11, 2001 on each side. Three sides are inscribed with the quotation "Unless we remember, we can not understand" by Edward M. Forster while the fourth side has an engraved drawing, by senior Amanda Du, resembling the artistic representation of the events of September 11, 2002.

Following the dedication, a student expressed her interpretation of events through a poetry reading. All in attendance then planted bulbs in a newly created garden to honor those who were lost.

"This event was truly meaningful for all those who live and work in the Hicksville community," said Bright. "The ceremony was conducted with much love and respect in honor of those from our community who were lost. The community response to our memorial, the participation at the ceremony and the cooperation in planning this event speak to the true spirit of the Hicksville community. I consider myself truly fortunate to be part of such a special community."