9/11 vigil held on American Veterans Memorial Pier

The annual vigil on the American Veterans Memorial Pier was held Friday evening, Sept. 11, in the shadow of the 9/11 Monument “Brooklyn Remembers.” It was presented by state Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Councilmember Kayla Santosuosso and hosted by the NIA.

First there were musical performances by the Xaverian H.S. Band, led by musical director Robert Randazzo. This was followed by the massing of the colors by local Girl Scout and American Scouting troops plus reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of the national anthem by Sabrina Wu.

The event was emceed by Virginia Chieco, NIA’s director of development and communications. Blessings and remarks were included by Imam Ahmed Ali Uzir of IQRA, NYPD chaplain, and Father Brian Dowd, pastor of St. Patrick’s Church. Due to the start of a Jewish holiday, Chieco read a blessing from Rabbi Royi Shaffin of the Bay Ridge Jewish Center.

During her presentation, Santosuosso said, in part, “To call Bay Ridge home is to have lost someone dear to you on that fateful day, or at least to know someone who has. Just as this vigil commemorates those whose lives were cruelly taken from us, it also celebrates our capacity as neighbors to come together in mourning and strengthen each other in mutual support and love.”

Gounardes passionately marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and mentioned the horrific loss of lives, during his extended narrative.

The Guild for Exceptional Children Chorus sang “God Bless America.”

Other guest speakers were U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Col. Raul Medrano, Fort Hamilton Garrison commander; Capt. Christopher Vincenti of the 68th Precinct and FDNY Assistant Deputy Chief David Simms.

Attendees lit candles as a Xaverian H.S. piper played “Amazing Grace,” and a moment of silence was requested. 

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Brooklyn’s 44th Annual Columbus Day Parade, sponsored by the Federation of Italian American Organizations (FIAO), will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, starting at 1 p.m. In addition to saluting the famed Italian seafarer, explorer and navigator, the colorful march heralds Italian heritage and culture.

The parade route runs along 18th Avenue (co-named Cristoforo Colombo Boulevard) from 61st Street to Benson Avenue, with the reviewing stand in front of the Il Centro community center building. A pre-parade mass will be celebrated at St. Athanasius Church on Bay Parkway and 61st Street.

This year’s grand marshals include City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Giulio Mannino, owner of Il Colosseo Restaurants; Attorney Joe Mure, Jr., and Roseann Sainato, principal of P.S. 204, the Vince Lombardi School.

FIAO Vice Chairman Carlo Sissura, Esq., will do double duty as the parade emcee and commentator. Other FIAO officials are Chairman G. Jack Spatola, President Pasqualino Russo, Vice Chairman Frank Naccarato, Vice President Marvin Reiskin and  Treasurer Philip Guarnieri.

On Sunday, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m., FIAO will hold a fund-raiser for its Columbus Day Parade, a brunch at Russo’s on the Bay in Queens. This event will also honor the four grand marshals. Reservations are $250 each. For more details call 718-259-2828.