Although the wind extinguished the flames on the candles, it could not dim the heartfelt emotions of the hundreds of Massapequans who attended two separate vigils of remembrance held Sept. 11.

"We have come together to remember those who gave their lives in sacrifice for our nation," Massapequa Park Village Mayor James Altadonna told the approximately 1,200 attendees who had gathered at Brady Park to remember those who died. "Some of these souls were unaware of their destiny. Others chose their's defiantly through a dedicated service to their community and country. Such is the legacy of our four village residents who perished in defense of freedom."

The candlelight vigil began with a procession led by the Marine Corp. Color Guard and followed by the Massapequa Fire Department Color Guard, the Tara Pipe and Drums, and the Massapequa Fire Department. The program included a reading of names and bell tolling, a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace by the Tara Pipes, and a reading by Girl Scout Danielle Ferriola.

About an hour after the village ceremony, Massapequans and other residents of the Town of Oyster Bay gathered at John J. Burns Town Park to participate in the Interfaith Gathering hosted by the town in conjunction with the Interfaith Clergy Council of the Massapequas.

The program of reflection and remembrance began with a selection by the Massapequa High School Chamber Orchestra. Allan Cole opened in prayer and Jonathan Waxman sounded the shofar. The names of the 58 Town of Oyster Bay residents who perished in the attacks were read aloud, and 102 seconds of silence were observed.

"September 11, 2001 is a day that is forever etched in the American consciousness," stated Town Supervisor John Venditto. "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."

Prior to the ceremonies, several schools in the Massapequa and Plainedge districts paid special tribute to those who died in the World Trade Center attacks. At R.J. Lockhart School in Massapequa, the flag was lowered to half-mast by Scout Troops, while music teacher Angela Stefanini led students in singing patriotic songs. A red, white and blue candle burned on the counter throughout the day in symbolic remembrance.

At Schwarting School in Plainedge, Principal Jeffrey Soloff assisted students in planting a tree in recognition of the first anniversary of September 11. At similar ceremonies held in each of the Plainedge elementary schools, students dressed in red, white, and blue congregated on the lawn of their respective schools at 9:15 a.m. where they recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang The Star Spangled Banner. A representative from each class was selected to help plant the remembrance tree, which was donated by the PTA.