Community Corner

Stories of 9/11 Have Touched Hearts, Lives

Read some of the most poignant Patch stories about 9/11 and share your memories

September 11 is a time of reflection, of remembering lives cut tragically short on a day that left a heartbroken nation forever changed. But despite the overwhelming loss and despair, the 11 years since have been colored with the courage of survivors who have found the inner strength to persevere. Despite a loss of innocence, 9/11 has given birth to a sea of patriotism and an outpouring of volunteerism that shows the best of what America can be.

On this 11th anniversary of Sept. 11, Kings Park Patch would like to take a moment and share some of the local stories that have touched our lives. Here are some of the stories Patch has covered in the past year regarding 9/11.

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A r for Thomas Butler, a Kings Park resident who was killed in the 9/11 attacks, was unveiled last year at the Kings Park Bluff. A framed memorial flag now stands next to it, with the names of all of those killed that day on its fabric.

For the Butlers, the affects of 9/11 linger, not only in the passing of their brother, but in the physical ailments that now afflict both Thomas' father and brother Stephen, both of whom spent months at the pile in hopes of finding Thomas’ remains.

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On Tuesday, the students of Kings Park High School will remember the victims of that terrible day with a memorial at 9 a.m. on the football field. A framed flag will be presented to Stephen Butler's daughter in honor of the Butler family.

The names of the Kings Park residents who were lost during the attacks are read  in a someber ceremony, by then board of education president, Bill Motherway.

For the former Kings Park Soccer Club President and coach, it was his love of the game and coaching that brought him to his World Trade offices of Marsh & McLennan  early on that fateful morning. His main concern that day was getting back to Kings Park in time to run a goalie clinic for the club.

2,974 American flags were placed in the ground in front of the middle school last year- one flag for each person that perished on that day. 

Lisa Ferreyra remembers when the problem started, sitting on the couch next to her husband, John, in 2004.

“He had this crazy cough. I said, ‘We’ve got to get that checked out,’” she said.

On April 1 of that year they paused outside the doctor’s office where they had come for a diagnosis. She asked John for a moment. They kissed.

“Once we cross that threshold, our lives will be different,” Lisa remembered saying.

Read  Kings Park Patch contributor 's piece, which garnered a second place in Editorial/Commentary for  

VIDEO: I Light a Candle

Local resident, Cherie Lehmann sings the song she composed, expressing her emoitons on this tragic event called I Light a Candle. To watch the video, visit the photo gallery of this article.


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