Hempstead Town hosts annual 9/11 sunrise service in Point Lookout

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There are several ceremonies taking place on Long Island to mark 23 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The biggest crowds are expected to be at the annual “sunrise ceremony” at Point Lookout Beach. The remembrance ceremony is held in the very spot many Long Islanders gathered at to watch the smoke from the Twin Towers in 2001. The program included special musical performances and blessings from local religious leaders. New was a sand sculpture featuring the Twin Towers and a firefighters shield. Attendees were encouraged to place flags with their loved ones names at the bottom of it to honor their memory. Community members also heard from Dawn Kirchner. The Oceanside resident said her husband was a first responder who spent six months at Ground Zero. He sadly died from a 9/11-related illness in 2022. She described him as a great dad, husband and firefighter who went through a horrific decline because of exposures during recovery efforts. Kirchner added, “the ripple effect from that day is just ongoing, it seems to be endless. So, not only the impact of the day but the residual problems for so many people after.” The Town of Hempstead has a permanent memorial at the entrance to the beach that residents can visit and pay their respects at year-round. "