On the tenth anniversary of the attack on America, East Hills held a fitting memorial at Arlene Park, an area of land specially dedicated to the memory of the heroes lost in East Hills and surrounding communities. Close to an estimated 200 residents, guests, firemen, police and elected officials attended the solemn event. The public officials included Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, County Legislator Wayne Wink, TNH Supervisor Jon Kaiman, TNH Clerk Leslie Gross, TNH Councilman Tom Dwyer, and TNH Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman. They were all featured on the program along with Rabbi Benjamin David, Temple Sinai of Roslyn Heights, Sr. Rabbi Alan B. Lucas, Temple Beth Sholom, Sgt. Edward O'Neill, Nassau County 6th Precinct, Chief Sal Mirra, Jr., Roslyn Rescue, Ex Chief William Trottier, Roslyn Highlands, Ex Chief Alan Schwalberg, Roslyn Rescue, and Past President Jon Sendach, Roslyn Rescue.

Mayor Michael Koblenz and the members of the board, Deputy Mayor Manny Zuckerman, and Trustees Gary Leventhal, Peter Zuckerman and Clara Pomerantz joined the Mayor. "Today, we remember the heroes who gave their lives on September 11, 2001 to preserve our society and our way of life," Mayor Koblenz began. "On this, the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America, we recall the 3,000 innocent victims who lost their lives. On that day of infamy, nineteen Al- Quaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger jet planes in an attempt to destroy our nation, our institutions and our sacred traditions. The terrorists sought fear and intimidation through violence, but their diabolical goals were never achieved as America overcame evil and perfidy."

Trustee Gary Leventhal introduced the firefighters and their leadership. In his introduction he spoke of his personal friendships with Tommy and Peter Langone and how the fire companies responded to go to the city to help. Two trucks left Roslyn for the city by noon time with a full compliment of firefighter on board. Our light truck, formerly Roslyn Rescue's 563, was requested by the city and was there every day that week. Gary selected Jon Sendach and Alan Schwalberg because to their personal knowledge of Tommy and Peter. Gary introduced Sal Mirra Jr., Alan Schwalberg, Jon Sendach and Jeff Kozuch as each spoke. Gary noted that Quint 567 had been dedicated to Tommy and Pete Langone.

Jon Sendach spoke about his friend and good buddy Chief Thomas Langone. Jon mentioned many stories of the training that Tommy did for Roslyn Rescue and how he hope he would get the young members to learn how to become great first responders. He showed them how to take control of the situation and how to let the patients feel comfortable and relieved now that we have responded. Tommy was a great leader and led by a great example.

Alan Schwalberg talked about Captain Peter Langone and how he was a man of few words, but always got his message across, whether by a grunt, or an at-a-boy or just a pat on the shoulder. Alan spoke about how Peter would come to training or to a house fire and how everyone felt greater comfort now that Peter was here. Alan also mentioned their parents Paul and Joan and how Paul was a member and Treasurer of Roslyn Rescue and how much they all cared about Roslyn Rescue and how Paul was a great inspiration for his sons.

Chief Sal Mirra Jr. spoke about the tragedy of the day and how it affected our lives and Sal subsequently became a city firefighter and an East Hills resident. Lieutenant Jeff Kozuch spoke of his experience and how and what he remembered about that day and how it effected him and his company in Queens and subsequently Jeff became an East Hills resident and a member of Roslyn Rescue.

The Mayor went on to provide the facts that led to the memorial.

"History further records that on that day two planes crashed into the Twin Towers, one plane hit the Pentagon, and the fourth plane, United Airline Flight 93 was prevented from hitting either the Capital or the White House when the passengers forced it to crash. The heroes included policeman, firemen, businessmen and woman, and citizens from every walk of life. But, through it all Americans and America alike stood tall; even taller than the World Trade Center Towers and even infinitely taller than the sworn enemies of our free and democratic society. Our nation proved its resilience, as we rose from ashes in New York City, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania, a stronger, more resolved, and even more unified nation."

"This memorial honors all the great contributions, selfless acts and heroism by our fellow Americans on September 11th. At this spot on September 10, 2002, we remembered the fallen by dedicating this Garden of Remembrance in honor of our local heroes. They included: Arlene E. Fried, Peter J. and Thomas M. Langone, Robert Hussa, Marcus R. Neblett, Douglas Irgang, Jonathan M. Connors, Joseph D. Maio, Timothy M. O'Brien, John M. Paolillo, Stuart Melter, Brett O. Freiman, Michael J. Cahill, William Challcoff, Michael H. Haub, Robert J. Foti, and Robert J. Baierwalter."

"The inscription on the plaque we set in stone at the dedication stated: 'May the Memory of their lives ever be a blessing and inspire us to deeds of kindness.'"

"The friends and neighbors we lost on that tragic day will always be an inspiration to us. We remember them today as distinctly as we did yesterday. We admire them today, as profoundly as we will tomorrow."

"These heroes gave their lives for all of us, and we will always remember the great and unbounded sacrifices they all made."