Residents of the Massapequas are encouraged to attend ceremonies hosted by both the Village of Massapequa Park and the Town of Oyster Bay to mark the one-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The village will be hosting a Candlelight Vigil at Brady Park on Lake Shore Drive September 11 at 7 p.m. in remembrance of the four Massapequa Park Village members who perished in the attacks.

"The purpose of the vigil is a time of reflection and an opportunity to gather with family and community to remember our village residents that were lost that day," said Village Mayor James Altadonna.

The Town of Oyster Bay, in conjunction with the Interfaith Clergy Council of the Massapequas, will hold an interfaith gathering September 11 at 8 p.m. at John J. Burns Town Park.

"September 11 will be the one-year anniversary of the brutal and senseless attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the plane crash in Pennsylvania, in which thousands of people, including many from the Town of Oyster Bay, lost their lives," stated Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto. "To commemorate the occasion, and to remember those who perished, I invite all town residents to join me, other town board members, members of the Interfaith Clergy Council of the Massapequas, and fellow town residents at this special interfaith gathering.

John J. Burns Town Park is located on Merrick Road about 2-1/2 miles east of Rte. 135. While there is a large parking area, residents are urged to carpool. For comfort's sake, attendees are also encouraged to bring their own chairs. Services will be held rain or shine.

"September 11, 2001 is a day that is forever etched in the American consciousness," Venditto stated. "Even those who did not personally know someone who was lost on that day were anguished by the sheer magnitude and boldness of the attacks, which claimed so many innocent lives and forever altered our sense of security. For those who lost loved ones, the date will be an especially sad anniversary. The Interfaith Clergy Council of the Massapequas and the town are hosting the interfaith gathering to provide a brief period of reflection, remembrance, unity of community and mutual support."

Any groups or organizations holding September 11 memorial services that would like to have their event listed on the town's website should contact Kevin DeLury at 624-2386, or e-mail him at www.oysterbaytown.com