RoseMarie Poveromo, president of UCCA, with clergy and both present and former elected officials. Photos: Phyllis Parra.
The United Community Civic Association held its September 11th Candlelight “Memorial of Music” on Saturday, September 12, at McManus Memorial Park (81st Street and Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria Heights), “To remember, glorify, and celebrate with song and prayer the thousands of innocent souls lost on September 11, 2001.” This was the 25th Anniversary commemoration.
The event is hosted annually by the United Community Civic Association (UCCA), together with the Port Authority of NY & NJ, welcoming all religious denominations. Complimentary candles and wreaths were provided courtesy of UCCA member Gus Antonopoulos.
The Program for the event was as follows:
National Anthem/Pledge of Allegiance. Eva Boyce-Leonard and daughter Amanda (Port Authority of NY & NJ)
Musical Selections by Antioch Baptist Church Choir
Opening Address/Welcome: RoseMarie Poveromo, President, UCCA
Invocation: Rev. Monsignor Fernando Ferrarese, Pastor, Immaculate Conception Church
Antioch Baptist Church Choir.
Musical Selections by Antioch Baptist Church Choir
Candle Lighting/Laying Memorial Wreaths
Amazing Grace: Antioch Choir
Guest Speakers: Port Authority of NY & NJ; Family Members of 9/11 Victims
Elected Officials: Former US Representative Joseph Crowley, Council Member Tiffany Cabán, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, Former NYS Representative Michael DenDekker, Former Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry, Former NYC Council Member Costa Constantinides, Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry.
Closing Prayers: Rabbi Jonathan Pearl, Ashreynu Synagogue; Pastor James Klockou, Grace Lutheran Church
Benediction: Msgr. Cuong Pham, Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
Conclusion of Ceremony
Closing Remarks/Thank You’s: RoseMarie Poveromo
Musical Selections by Antioch Baptist Church Choir
As Americans, we are morally obligated to never forget September 11, 2001. “No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” –– Virgil
Laying the Memorial Wreaths.
Candlelight “Memorial of Music” on Saturday, September 12.
UCCA President RoseMarie Poveromo with Al and Maureen Santora (seated), mother of Christopher Santora, youngest FDNY firefighter to give his life on 9/11.
Wreaths on the Memorial.