‘We will never forget 9/11’

A Sept. 11 candlelight vigil was held at the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oakdale the evening of the 23rd anniversary of Patriot Day.

Following the ringing of the church bells, Doreen Schaefer gave an introduction to the ceremony that has been hosted at St. John’s since the pandemic in 2020.

Schaefer, 9/11 committee leader, said, “People were innocently working at their desk or on a flight for a business trip or visiting family or going on vacation, and they were taken away from their loved ones. The men and women who risked their lives to save others possess a true compassion for helping others and were willing to put other people’s lives before their own.”

Schaefer urged attendees to appreciate their life and not to fall victim to the current political atmosphere. “We forget truly what is most important in life: family and friends.”

As a speech language pathologist and student leadership coordinator at Sachem East High School, Schaefer recalled earlier in her day honoring 25 community members lost in 9/11 and said, “But what was most important about today is not that we had the ceremony, but that it was our first annual program. So here going forward, we will continue that tradition, and every student and staff member that comes through Sachem High School will continue to share the touching stories and remember the heroes that lost their lives—that we will never forget 9/11.”

BSA Scout leader and Eagle Scout Amanda Barile directed her troop’s color guard to assemble in the front lawn.

Legis. Anthony Piccirillo (R-8th District) donated an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol building to the church that was raised during the ceremony.

Sofia Carta-Rodriguez gave a stirring rendition of “God Bless America” while attendees bowed their heads, some even being moved to tears by the powerful voice.