| What was, two years ago, just a vague concept has become a reality. Mohegan's 9/11 memorial was dedicated Sunday, September 18, 2011 in front of Station #2, the Jefferson Valley firehouse. Approximately 50 members of the public and neighboring agencies were in attendance. Mohegan firefighters marched up Lee Boulevard to the firehouse led by a color guard consisting of Mohegan FD, Mohegan Ambulance, Yorktown Police, NY State Police, NYPD, FDNY, and U.S. Air Force members. This memorial has no statues, no names or symbols. Just two steel beams and the words "Never Forget." It was designed to be simple and unassuming. The steel speaks for itself, and it speaks to each person individually and personally. The "Never Forget" emblem on its base takes its shape from the ribbon on the bow of the USS New York. From the day the steel arrived and was laid on the ground months ago, to the present day, people have been stopping by to view it, to touch it, to photograph it, or just to be close to it. We have a special connection to the events on 9/11. It is extremely rare that the New York City Fire Department, arguably the finest fire department in the world, calls for mutual aid. But when they did on 9/11/01, Mohegan was ready. Our volunteer and career firefighters along with our EMS personnel responded to the World Trade Center site and also "backfilled" Engine 88/Ladder 38's firehouse in the Bronx. Our dedication ceremony today, much like our memorial, was simple and without fanfare. Some brief remarks, our National Anthem sung by Yorktown Police Officer Angel Garcia, a prayer led by Chaplain Bob McMahon, a blessing of the memorial by Chaplain Brother Ted Novak and, and a moment of silence. The ceremony concluded with the tolling of Signal 5-5-5-5 on the fire company's "President's Bell" accompanied by the singing of Amazing Grace by P.O. Garcia. We at the Mohegan Fire Dept. and EMS are gratified that so many people have and will continue to be, touched by this memorial, each in their own way.
On a personal note:
From the concept, to the steel acquisition, the memorial planning & construction, and finally the dedication. This project has, for me, been a labor of love. I would like to thank the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lake Mohegan Fire District for allowing me the honor of carrying this endeavor forward.
-FF Steven Yagoda |
