From the large American flag draped from a Seaford Fire Department ladder truck to the field of flags on the front lawn to the miniature flags clutched in hands, there was a strong showing of unity and patriotism at Seaford High School on Sept. 11 as more than 1,000 people came together to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The ceremony, hosted by the Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee in partnership with the Seaford School District, continued a quarter-century tradition in the community to honor the five Seaford High School alumni killed in the attacks – Timothy Haskell, Thomas Haskell, John Perry, Robert Sliwak and Michael Wittenstein – as well as victims that day and since from 9/11-related illnesses.
After the Nassau County Police Department presented the colors, Superintendent Dr. Adele Pecora led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before the Seaford High School marching band played the National Anthem. Speakers included Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, former Congressman Peter King, Col. David Haskell and 9/11 Memorial Committee President Kenneth Haskell.
“I’m going to ask you one thing,” Commissioner Ryder said. “We all sacrificed that day; we lost loved ones that day; we lost friends that day. I’m going to ask you to keep your promise never to forget. Never forget those heroes. Never forget the people who ran towards danger.”
Congressman King noted that Seaford continues to maintain one of the largest turnouts of any 9/11 ceremony.
“It means so much and shows the spirit of the Seaford community,” he said. “We’re Americans; we stand together as one. We did it on Sept. 11, we did it on Sept. 12, and we have to do it as far into the future as we see.”
Several past recipients of the Patriot Award were in attendance for a presentation that included service pledges from Seaford students and a $2,000 donation to offset costs for seniors to take a trip to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Manhattan. Among them was 2026 graduate Michelle Evangelista, who shared the history and meaning of Seaford’s 9/11 memorial in front of the high school. Bells were tolled in honor of the five Seaford alumni and all victims, as well as other special intentions, and the Seaford High School chorus performed “God Bless America” to close out the ceremony.
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