Sachem North Unveils 9/11 Monument (Photos/Video)

Two days before the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that changed world history on Sept. 11, the Sachem Central School District made history of its own, unveiling a 9/11 tribute monument in front of Sachem High School North in Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y. Friday afternoon.

The monument, positioned towards the left side of the building facing Smith Road, consists of a piece of steel from the World Trade Center (WTC), which sits in front of a mock design of the towers. Rebar from the WTC was used to create an antenna on one of the towers.

Family members of victims from the tragedy, as well as politicians, community members and district officials gathered as names of victims from the Sachem community were read during the ceremony.

“It was a day just like today 10 years ago,” said Sachem North Principal John Dolan, “a beautiful late summer day that will forever live in our memories and I think that what the students and staff here built will forever live in our memories also.”

The monument was developed as part of the Freshman Legacy Project for the Class of 2014 and being it's one of the most strapping dedications in the area to such a profound moment in history, the class certainly has left its mark on the school and community.

“We wanted to preserve the memory and honor those who lost their lives on that tragic day,” said Freshman Class President Caila Hendrickson.

Freshman class advisor Jon Weston recalled being in third period history class at Sachem High School during the attack.

“I walked through the halls with a purpose but could never get over the memory of that day,” he said, recalling how he felt when he became a teacher at the school. “North needed to honor the people who were lost on that day, so that my memories of lockers draped in commemorative red, white and blue, wouldn’t fade with a new coat and the passing of time.

“Our project will be a living memory of all those who left us on that day. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life working with everyone towards this great cause.”

He worked alongside co-advisor Alexis Shaw, who gave an emotional speech during the ceremony.

“This memorial here at Sachem North will serve the Sachem community as a way to always remember those who lost their lives and never forget their legacy that they have unfortunately left behind,” she said.

Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko spoke of remembering the various communities who were affected that day from the victims to the first responders and the military personnel still fighting the war on terror.

“It’s our duty and our solemn obligation to do justice to their memories,” he said.