Brooklynites gathered at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn to remember the victims of 9/11 in a solemn and peaceful ceremony. The cemetery is the final resting place for over 100 victims of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, including 78 who lost their lives that day and dozens more who succumbed to Ground Zero-related illnesses in the years following. As the sun set on the evening of September 11, 2024, community members came together among the gravestones to pay their respects, overlooking the Manhattan skyline in a quiet and introspective setting.
Remembering the Victims
The memorial event at Green-Wood Cemetery was a departure from the traditional large-scale memorials often associated with 9/11. There were no formal speeches or high-profile guests in attendance. Instead, local musician George Stass provided a somber soundtrack with renditions of songs like “Fire and Rain,” “Wildflowers,” and “Every Grain of Sand.” As the Tribute in Light illuminated the sky, two Green-Wood staff members read out a list of over 70 names, most of whom are buried at the cemetery, while some are not.
Gabrielle Gatto, coordinator of public programs at Green-Wood, and Theresa Wozunk, a death counselor, collaborated to organize the event as a way to provide a peaceful space for Brooklynites to grieve and reflect. The idea for the evening memorial came about the previous year, with the support of the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. Wozunk expressed the importance of offering a serene location for individuals who may not feel comfortable visiting larger memorials or museums but still want to honor the memory of the victims in their own way.
A Place of Community and Reflection
Green-Wood Cemetery has become more than just a burial ground; it serves as a communal space for Brooklyn residents, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. The 9/11 ceremony at Green-Wood was an extension of this ethos, providing an opportunity for individuals to grieve and remember loved ones in a peaceful and accessible environment. Gatto shared her personal connection to the event by including her uncle, a former FDNY captain who passed away from 9/11-related cancer, in the list of names read during the ceremony.
The attendees of the memorial ranged from those who had a direct connection to the events of 9/11 to newcomers like Matt Pinner, who moved to New York City from Colorado in 2020. Pinner expressed the importance of coming together as a community to acknowledge and honor the significance of the day, emphasizing the unifying nature of rituals and ceremonies during times of grief and remembrance. Andrew Schneider, who attended the ceremony to support a friend, reflected on the evolving impact of 9/11 over the years and the collective nature of grieving and remembering.
Honoring the Past and the Present
The list of names read at Green-Wood Cemetery included individuals such as Joseph Agnello, Peter Vega, Vernon Cherry, and Monique De Jesus, representing a diverse group of victims from various backgrounds. Schneider highlighted the unique way in which memories from 9/11 are preserved in media forms like old VHS tapes, frozen in time yet still resonating with emotional weight. The Tribute in Light, visible from Green-Wood, served as a poignant backdrop for the evening’s memorial, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the victims and the resilience of the community.
Theresa Wozunk acknowledged the significant role that Green-Wood Cemetery played during and after 9/11, providing a final resting place for victims and a space for families to grieve. The cemetery workers, often referred to as “last responders,” were instrumental in supporting families during their time of loss. Isaac Feliciano, a retired Green-Wood foreman who lost his wife Rosa on 9/11, exemplified the dedication and compassion of the staff members who worked tirelessly to provide solace and support to those affected by the tragedy.
The evening memorial at Green-Wood Cemetery served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of 9/11 on individuals, families, and communities. By coming together in a peaceful and reflective setting, Brooklynites honored the memory of the victims and found solace in collective remembrance. As the Tribute in Light illuminated the skyline, it symbolized the resilience and unity of the city in the face of adversity, ensuring that the legacy of those lost on 9/11 will never be forgotten.
