Dear Residents -
This past Monday, we once again paid tribute to those who lost their lives as the result of that ill-fated day 22 years ago, the day we all now know as 9-11. While I attended services in Orangetown on Monday, there were many taking place all throughout Rockland County. This is a true testament to the people of Rockland County, who are standing by our collective pledge to never forget.
So, for this week, I thought it appropriate to leave you with the words from Rose Marie Raccioppi, our very own Orangetown Poet Laureate, that were read at the Orangetown PBA 9-11 Ceremony this past Monday:
September 11, 2023
We Pause in Remembrance
We, in Remembrance pause, we gather as community, as family, as friends, of those who were victims of a merciless attack, to offer solace, a knowing that calls to heart, and to honor the heroes, the first responders of the day, and each day since, who have suffered the pain, and loss of life from the devastating effects of toxins upon lungs, heart and BEING.
Tears, heartache, shock, beyond all conceal
For the pain, the horrors, remain yet real
Time alone does not ease the grief, the pain
For the inward scars of loss long long remain.
Tales of responders, heroic be each deed
Humanity and care, held as a living creed.
In loving respect, in a faith the soulful heart does bear
And so skyward be our eyes to the embrace of heavenly care
The touch of GOD ever real
Supernal be the blessings of All we to feel
In this moment as Below as Above
Beheld we be by the embrace of Love
Our loved ones lost, be yet their dreams held true
Their legacy granted onto a me, onto a you
Let us this day imagine the dreams once real
That in our hearts we shan't conceal
What vision, what promises made, hankered in their soul
Let us in loving PRAISE honor their envisioned goal
And in praise, hear we the sounding call of each name
The dreams, the visions held, let us proclaim
In our hearts grant each their completed goals
PEACE onto our pulsing hearts and departed souls.
PEACE onto our pulsing hearts and departed souls.
Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York
Regards,
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