Long Islanders commemorate 9/11 with sunrise service at Point Lookout Beach
The keynote speaker this year is Dorine Hetzel-Dand, who lost her brother on Sept. 11 and later her husband to a 9/11-related illness.
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One thousand people are expected to make their way to the shores of Point Lookout Beach this morning for the Town of Hempstead's annual 9/11 memorial ceremony.
This year is expected to draw potentially even bigger numbers to commemorate 25 years since the terror attacks.
The beach is symbolic and holds an emotional place in the hearts and heads of many Long Islanders. It's where 25 years ago people watched in shock and disbelief as the attacks unfolded in Lower Manhattan as smoke rose over the Atlantic Ocean.
Multiple spiritual leaders will offer remarks and blessings throughout the event, and the Kellenberg Memorial High School Gregorian Consortium will play music throughout the morning, with a special performance by the Nassau County Police Department Pipe and Drums.
The keynote speaker this year is Dorine Hetzel-Dand, who suffered two 9/11-related tragedies.
Her brother, FDNY Firefighter Thomas J. Hetzel of Ladder Company 13, was killed while responding to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2011.
Her husband, Christopher R. Dand, served for 25 years with the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department and assisted in the search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. He later developed a rare form of leukemia caused by his exposure to those toxins and passed away in 2024.
The town's permanent 9/11 Memorial at Town Park Pt. Lookout will showcase two bright blue beams of light throughout the early morning and a patriotic sand sculpture will be on display during the ceremony.
The event begins at 7:30 a.m.
