By Lisa Finn Riverhead Patch
A 9/11 memorial park will pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11.
The long-awaited dream of a memorial park on Sound Avenue to honor those lost on 9/11 — as well as first responders who have become ill since — is set to become a reality.
Eric Biegler, president of Sound Park Heights Civic Association, spoke at Riverhead’s town board meeting and announced that Suffolk County had closed on the property on Tuesday.
“I want to thank this board,” Biegler said, adding that the journey toward a memorial park had taken over ten years and involved the efforts of town staff, as well as community members and civic groups.
“I look forward to working with you to create a wonderful park that Riverhead can be very proud of,” Biegler said.
For Bob Kelly, brother of Reeves Park resident Thomas Kelly, 38, a New York City firefighter and one of seven members of Engine 219, Ladder 105 who died on September 11 after the terrorist attacks, the news was meaningful.
The county acquisition of the 4.1 acre parcel, located at the corner of Sound Avenue and Thomas Kelly Memorial Drive/Park Road, has been a long-sought-after goal.
“There’s a true sense of peace,” Kelly said. “Knowing that after ten years, the right thing has been done.”
Kelly said with plans set to move forward, “we will now have a peaceful place for reflection, meditation, and prayer — a place to walk and be in your thoughts, to reach into your feelings.”
Despite how “well done” the 9/11 memorial in New York City might be, Kelly said he finds that it is “quite difficult to be there and be in touch with yourself and loved ones. With a little work this will be that peaceful place we can call our home.”
The park will bring a measure of solace for those left behind, Kelly said.
“I feel that my brother Tom and all my friends that were killed that horrible day, as well as the far-too-many folks who are becoming ill and passing after the rescue and recovery work, will have a fitting place,” he said. “Family, friends, the people of Suffolk can come to a beautiful place to pay respects, or to be in the moment with their memories.”
The vision for the park includes a garden, with memorial benches, butterflies, and stones to mark the event and lives lost.
In addition, Kelly has expressed interest in dedicating a piece of the parcel to local first responders who have been killed in the line of duty — including Heidi Behr, who lost her life in a tragic ambulance accident.
“The Behr family is on the top of my wish list — they deserve this, at least, and a whole lot more,” he said.
Of the parcel’s acquisition by the county, Kelly said, “The biggest step has been taken. The next process will be a labor of love with the best wishes of the families and people of Suffolk in mind. To all those people who worked so hard to make this land become a reality, on behalf of my family and all those who have suffered from the events of 9/11, thanks for doing the right thing.”
