This weekend, the Bayside Hills Civic Association (BHCA) will continue its annual 9/11 memorial ceremony for the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
On Saturday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., BHCA invites the community to its tribute at its dedicated Sept. 11 Memorial Garden, located at Horace Harding Expressway and Bell Boulevard. As in years past, the commemorative event will include speeches from politicians and members of the public, prayers and blessings for those who lost their lives and the placement of lit candles and American flags in the Memorial Garden.
According to BHCA President Michael Feiner, his predecessor, New York State Judge Jerry Iannece, was responsible for designing the Bayside Hills Memorial Gardens.
The tradition of having the event at 7 p.m. every year dates back to Feiner’s time as a teacher. He recalled the “arduous” day back in 2001 and the profound sadness that everyone felt upon hearing the news. Around 7 o’clock on that day 20 years ago, he took a walk to the site of where the Memorial Garden would eventually be.
“I take a long sad walk over to the site where the Memorial Garden ended up being and I look to the west,” Feiner told QNS. “I actually see smoke coming out of the two spots where the twin towers used to be. It was like the ghost of the twin towers and I looked at it so sadly, it was very overwhelming.”
Attendees at this year’s event include elected officials, members of the local FDNY and NYPD, religious leaders, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts from Troop 142 and the community.
During the singing of “God Bless America,” BHCA invites the public to leave lit candles enclosed in glass at the Memorial Garden in order to practice fire safety.
In adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, Feiner said that all attendees are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.
To learn more, visit the Bayside Hills Civic Association website or find them on social media @BaysideHills.
