Nesconset Memorial Honors 9/11 Responders

The nation passed a grim milestone recently when the death of a New York City fireman from a 9/11 illness equaled the number of firefighters, 343, who perished when the Twin Towers collapsed.

The significance did not go unnoticed by a group dedicated to honoring the thousands of responders who passed away due to complications suffered from working at the horrific scene.

“You have not fallen, but stand brave and tall in our hearts,” said the president of 9/11 Responders Remembered, Judi Simmons, echoing the motto of her organization which created a Nesconset park honoring those who answered the call. Her husband, Marty, raced to the World Trade Center, arriving just as the second tower collapsed following the terror attacks. He worked at the pile for weeks and died suddenly from a related respiratory illness seven years later at age 41.

The 9/11 Responders Park on Smithtown Boulevard in Nesconset. File Photo

On 9/11/01 this great country witnessed its worst terrorist attack ever on American soil,” reads a plaque at the Smithtown Boulevard park. “During our nation's darkest hours, the resolve and testament of the American people was witnessed. From the toxic dust rose heroes, true American Patriots. Men and women in uniform and non-uniform risked their lives without prejudice to ensure the safety of our nation. They faced destruction and the dark, ominous dust that first rose and then descended upon Ground Zero.”

Since that dark day in history, thousands have lost their lives, succumbing to 9/11 related illnesses. “Giants amongst heroes were taken from us all too soon,” the memorial notes. “We honor these silent responders who came to aid and heal our nation.”

“Let us always remember those we lost,” reads a monument in front of a twisted piece of metal recovered from one of the towers. “We humbly bow to recognize the heroic actions of those who selflessly ran into harm's way. These men and women performed the single largest act of heroism our nation has ever witnessed and sadly did not return home that day. Let us always remember those who rose to rescue and recover.”

A recent ceremony highlighted the addition of new names to a granite wall at the park, a somber monument that includes more than 2,300 heroes so far. “Sadly, we’re going to need a bigger wall,” said Suffolk Comptroller John Kennedy, an early supporter of the memorial park, who noted that it was built entirely from donations and labor provided at no cost by local unions and volunteers. State Senator Mario Mattera, an associate of the Local 200 Plumbers Union, played a key role in bringing the park to its impressive state, along with laborers with Local 66 Local 25 electrical workers.

The memorial wall at the 9/11 Responders Park inscribed with over 2,300 names of those who died of related illnesses after the terrorist attack. File Photo

“This beautiful park and its monuments to our 9/11 heroes could not have happened without a great number of donors and dedicated volunteers,” said Legislator Leslie Kennedy. “Our community is fortunate to have so many people who care.”

Assigned to Ladder 111/Engine 214 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Simmons had been on vacation with his family in Lake Tahoe where he had trouble breathing while swimming with his kids. He died there with them, having hid his condition the last few years. All three of his sons followed in their dad’s footsteps and currently serve as firefighters.

Visit 9/11 Responders Remembered at www.respondersremembered.com and consider a donation.