Levittown American Legion Post 1711 is hosting a remembrance event to honor the victims of Sept. 11 on the anniversary of the attack on America. The Legion is inviting all citizens of Levittown to come together in a commemoration ceremony to remember those who perished in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and those who lost their lives on the airliner that crashed in Pennsylvania. The ceremony will also honor American military service personnel who have died in the battle against terrorism and the members of the service who continue to fight. The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Town of Hempstead Veteran's Memorial Park, located on Hempstead Tpke. in Levittown (near the Levittown Public Library). The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. and residents are asked to start gathering a little in advance so the ceremony can begin promptly.

The Levittown American Legion Post is one of several posts across the country that are energizing their communities to ensure that the innocent victims of Sept. 11 will never be forgotten. Currently, the post has coordinated with nearly 40 local organizations who plan to take part in the event. Although precise details are still being ironed out, the ceremony is planned to begin by recognizing emergency service personnel who remained strong throughout the entire ordeal of the attack on America and who have so honorably demonstrated their patriotism. There will also be a number of other events during the ceremony, including the placement of ceremonial wreaths to commemorate military service personnel who fought in past wars and who are now deceased. Family members and/or friends of victims will be given the opportunity to fill out a card with the name of a loved one they lost as a result of the attacks. The names will be read during the ceremony. Family members have the option of listing their loved one's position or organization they were a part of to be read along with their name.

The event is scheduled to include a candlelight vigil and the post is looking to have the candles donated for the occasion. Residents will not need to bring their own candles, just a lighter or matches to light those that will be provided. Children will require parental permission before being given a candle.

Among the legionnaires who are coordinating this event are Commander Henry To, Past Commander Bill Hynes, Past Commander Thomas DiIorio and Vice Commander Andy Booth. According to the Legion, this event symbolizes the strength of not only a community, but a nation.

"This ceremony will not only honor those who have died, but also those who live and continue to fight for the freedom of this great nation. As a nation united, we must remain committed to supporting the men and women of our armed forces as they serve with honor and courage."

Everyone in Levittown is invited to join in this uniting ceremony. For more information about the event, or if an organization would like to take part in the ceremony, please contact Vice Commander Andy Booth at 731-6421 or Past Commander Bill Hynes at 731-6934.