It's almost a year since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center changed the lives of Americans. A year later, we are still mourning the lives of those who lost their lives as municipalities and places of worship are setting up memorial services to honor those who perished in the burning building.

In Mineola and the surrounding areas, efforts are being made in remembrance of the events of Sept. 11. Here is a list of some of the remembrance services:

* Village of Mineola Service in Memorial Park - The Village of Mineola will hold a ceremony in Memorial Park on Marcellus Road on Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. A monument, built by Scout Eddie Kaiser of Troop 45, will be unveiled.

* Winthrop-University Hospital - Winthrop-University Hospital will be holding a memorial at 8:15 a.m. on Sept. 11 with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. at the Emergency Department Entrance (3rd Avenue and 2nd Street). The rain location is the New Life Center.

* Chaminade High School - Chaminade High School in Mineola was hit hard with alumni members and relatives of current students tragically killed in the World Trade Center. The school will hold a memorial service for students on Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the school auditorium.

* Service in East Williston - On Sept. 11, First Church of Christ, Scientist at 60 East Williston Avenue on the corner of Roslyn Road will hold a special service, commemorating the events of 9/11, honoring those who lost their lives. All are welcome to this healing service at 7:45 p.m. and community clergy are invited to speak.

* Beth Shalom Chabad to Hold September 11 Rally and Salute - "To memorialize the victims and honor the heroes of September 11, towers are being built, at the congregation Beth Shalom Chabad, 261 Willis Avenue, Mineola, " announced Rabbi Anchelle Perl. They will stand outside, at a majestic 16 feet, draped in American flags. They will serve as center focus for two days of reflection and hope in awe inspiring events to mark the anniversary of 9/11.

"At a time when others have acted sub-human," explains Rabbi Perl, it was the Lubavitcher Rebbe who advised us to drive away darkness with the light generated by acts of loving kindness to fellow mankind, as we unite, committed to life and love of sharing and caring." Under the profile of the model twin towers, leaders of government, business and community will assemble at noon-1 p.m. on Sept. 10 in a massive "Rally and Salute to 9/11." On Wednesday morning, 9/11, at 8:46 a.m., the exact time the first plane hit the twin towers, the community will stand shoulder to shoulder, under the silhouette of the model towers, in special prayers for peace.

A lecture entitled "Ground Zero & Beyond" will conclude the day's events, beginning at 12:15 p.m.

Remembering Those Who Were Lost

Those who are from Mineola or the surrounding communities or have ties to Mineola that were lost in the World Trade Center will be forever remembered. Here are some of those who lost their lives:

Robert John Baierwalter - Robert John Baierwalter, an insurance underwriter, was attending a meeting on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center when the second plane struck.

He is survived by his wife Laura and sons Richard and Raymond, students at the Meadow Drive School, daughter Veronica, a student at Mineola Middle School, and sister Maureen Schlowinski.

John Spataro - John Anthony Spataro, an assistant vice president in the working capital group for Marsh USA Inc., worked on the 98th floor of the World Trade Center Tower One. He is survived by his wife Trish Wellington-Spataro. A memorial mass was held on Sept. 22 at Corpus Christi Church.

Robert Thomas Jordan - Robert Thomas Jordan worked on the 104th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, a fifth grade teacher at the Cross Street School in Williston Park.

Peter Owens Jr. - Peter Owens Jr. worked at One World Trade Center for Cantor Fitzgerald. He is survived by his sons Joseph and Thomas, daughter Maryellen and wife Kathy. His family planned to move from Williston Park to Mineola before the tragedy. Even after, the family moved to the house they purchased in Mineola.

Michael Helmut Haub - Michael Helmut Haub went to the World Trade Center on the morning of Sept. 11 as a member of Ladder Co. 4 of the New York City Fire Department. He was a former captain of the Roslyn Highlands Fire Department. He is survived by his father Helmut of Mineola.

If you would like to remember anyone with ties to the Mineola and surrounding communities, please let us know. Also, if you have a memory of Sept. 11 you would like to share, please contact us at 747-8282 and ask for Joe Rizza.