Long Island 9/11 memorial seeks to honor more victims ahead of 25th anniversary
The Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island's 9/11 Memorial in Westbury continues to grow each year as names are added to honor those who lost their lives either on Sept. 11 or from illnesses linked to recovery efforts at ground zero.
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Beneath the quiet grounds of the Cemetery of the Holy Rood rest some of Long Island's first responders who died following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Towering above their graves is a memorial dedicated to ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.
The Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island's 9/11 Memorial in Westbury continues to grow each year as names are added to honor those who lost their lives either on Sept. 11 or from illnesses linked to recovery efforts at ground zero.
"Right now on the wall behind us, we have almost 600 names that we've added since 2001," said Richard Bie, of Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island. "Sadly, every year we add names."
Among those being memorialized this year is Nassau County Police Officer Charles Cole, who died in 2011 from a 9/11-related illness after working at ground zero in the aftermath of the attacks. He was 49.
For Cole's widow, Eva, the memorial provides lasting comfort.
"It makes you feel not forgotten," she said.
She said having her husband's name permanently etched on the memorial means his service and sacrifice will continue to be recognized for generations.
"It's such an honor," Cole said. "It's such an honor that not only my family and I remember but that everyone remembers."
Remembering her husband, she described him as someone who remained positive even through difficult days.
"No matter how hard his day was, he always had a smile on his face," she said. "People who knew him absolutely adored him."
As preparations begin for the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in 2026, Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island is encouraging more families to come forward to have loved ones' names added to the memorial wall.
The memorial is open to anyone who died as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks or illnesses connected to them, regardless of religious affiliation or where they are buried. There is no cost to have a name added.
"There's always the saying, 'Never forget,' and we will never forget," Bie said. "We'd love to add more names and get them up there so they're never forgotten."
If you’d like to have a loved one honored on the memorial, you must submit the request form by August.
