Seaford High School remembers five alumni who died in 9/11 attacks
Those honored included firefighter brothers Tommy and Timmy Haskell and police officers John Perry, Robert Sliwak and Michael Wittenstein.
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Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Seaford community continues to honor the lives lost and ensure their memories live on.
Seaford High School, home to one of the first 9/11 memorials of its kind, has held an annual commemoration ceremony every year since the attacks. On Thursday, community members, friends and family gathered once again to remember five alumni who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
Those honored included firefighter brothers Tommy and Timmy Haskell and police officers John Perry, Robert Sliwak and Michael Wittenstein.
“It's been personal for me for a long time,” said Ken Haskell, brother to Tommy and Timmy Haskell. “And losing both my brothers on 9/11 was just really tough.”
Ken Haskell and his brothers were firefighters who responded to the attacks on 9/11. Tommy and Timmy gave their lives saving others.
“It was such a traumatic event,” Haskell said. “And people really came together across the board, not just the first responders, but coworkers and civilians as well.”
Karen Bonilla, sister of Robert Sliwak, has been to this ceremony every year since her brother died.
“You're never going to forget the ones that we lost,” Bonilla said. “It's like a missing piece of a puzzle that will never be replaced. But there's just something that brings a sense of comfort to know that--the community--it means a lot to everybody.”
Each year, residents join together at the memorial to reflect on the tragedy and celebrate the lasting impact these individuals had on their community.
"Out of this horrible event, this thing that, I mean, the scenes, the memory is seared in our minds. But something positive came out of it. It's really had a great impact on the students here," said Tom Condon, of the Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee.
In the years following the attacks, Seaford High School established the Patriot Award, which recognizes students for their service, character and commitment to the community.
Organizers say the award is designed to carry forward the legacy of Seaford's 9/11 heroes and inspire future generations to give back.
