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Community Corner

Candlelight Vigil Held at The Common Ground

September 11 memorial service remembers and honors lives lost.

Sayville's Common Ground hosted a candlelight vigil to remember those lost on Sept. 11. The ceremony, conducted by Jeannie Corcoran, has been taking place for the last six years in honor of those was passed on Sept. 11.

"The happenings of September 11 were surreal to all of us," Corcoran said. "But our immediate response was to unite. This park is a memorial to the people who lost their lives on that day."

Deacon LaBella of St. Lawrence Church in Sayville offered a prayer for those who lost their life on Sept. 11. His hope, he said, was that the loved ones who lost their lives did not do so in vain – that the community comes together to honor their memory. Deacon LaBella asked for a moment of silence to remember those who passed nine years ago. "We need to put an end to the bitterness and hatred – to dispel all the hate that exists in the world," he said.

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Michele O'Keefe took the stage for a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace and Let There Be Peace on Earth. Next up was singer/guitarist Tim Hus, who performed a song about 9/11 called, "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning," by Alan Jackson.

Attendees were invited to come up to the microphone to honor a loved one who had passed. Lastly, participants followed Barbara Fitzpatrick for a walk around the labyrinth with their candles. "We all live in America," Fitzpatrick told the crowd. "But really, America lives in us. The labyrinth is a very special place – a place where you can get answers to many of the questions you are seeking."

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Candles were distributed on behalf of the Anchor Club of Sayville High School. "We are actually the biggest club in the school with close to 200 members," said Fran Cascardo, president and currently a senior there. "We take part in most of the community events and have about 10 members here tonight to help with the ceremony."

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