Riverhead Marks 25 Years Since 9/11 With Ceremonies, Solemn Remembrance: 'Heroism And Sacrifice'

RIVERHEAD, NY — Riverhead residents and officials will gather Friday to mark the 25 years that have passed since the devastating terrorist attacks on 9/11.

The Town of Riverhead will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, with a memorial ceremony on Friday, September 11 at 10 a.m. at the Calverton 9/11 Memorial, located at the corner of Edwards Avenue and Riley Avenue in Calverton.

Hosted by Town Clerk Jim Wooten, "the ceremony will honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, recognize the heroism and sacrifices of first responders and recovery personnel, and reflect on the resilience, strength, and unity demonstrated by communities across the nation in the years since that historic day," town officials said.

The ceremony is open to the public and residents are encouraged to join town officials, employees, first responders, veterans, and community members in paying tribute to those affected by the events of September 11, 2001.

In recognition of the importance of the anniversary, Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin has authorized a delayed opening of Town Hall until 11:30 a.m. to allow town employees the opportunity to attend the memorial service.

A second ceremony will follow: As they have done for many years, the Sound Park Heights Civic Association and members of the Reeves community will host an annual 9/11 procession and ceremony on Friday, September 11.

The candlelight procession will begin promptly at 5:45 p.m. at the corner of Marine Street and Park Road and will conclude at the 9/11 Memorial Park for a ceremony of remembrance.

Representatives from the Riverhead Fire Department, Jamesport Fire Department, Riverhead Police Department, and town officials will also participate.

"As this year marks the 25th anniversary, I invite you, your family, friends, and neighbors to join us on this solemn occasion," said Eric Biegler of the civic association.

The long-awaited dream of a memorial park on Sound Avenue to honor those lost on 9/11 — as well as first responders who have become ill since — was first realized in 2013, a project of the heart for Bob Kelly, whose brother Thomas Kelly, who lived in Riverhead full-time, was one of seven members of Engine 219, Ladder 105 that died during the terrorist attacks. He was 38 years.

His family has roots deeply entrenched in the Reeves Park community in Riverhead.

"This is home," said Bob Kelly, as he spoke to the friends and neighbors gathered in remembrance at a the first 9/11 ceremony held at the memorial park in 2013. "All of Tommy's best days were spent here."

Looking at the friends who stood somberly on the darkening street, Kelly said quietly, "Reeves Park has not forgotten."

Biegler has said the memorial park was a journey that took more than 10 years and involved the diligent efforts of the Riverhead Town board, as well as community members and civic groups.

The county acquisition of the 4.1 acre parcel, located at the corner of Sound Avenue and Thomas Kelly Memorial Drive/Park Road, was a long-sought-after goal.

"There's a true sense of peace," Kelly said. The goal, he said, was to create "a peaceful place for reflection, meditation, and prayer — a place to walk and be in your thoughts, to reach into your feelings."

The park was born to bring a measure of solace for those left behind, Kelly said.

"I feel that my brother Tom and all my friends that were killed that horrible day, as well as the far-too-many folks who are becoming ill and passing after the rescue and recovery work, will have a fitting place," he said.

"Family, friends, the people of Suffolk can come to a beautiful place to pay respects, or to be in the moment with their memories," Kelly said.