Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, joined by Legislator Michael G. Zapson (D-Long Beach) and Parks Commissioner Doreen Banks, today announced Nassau County's plans for observing the one-year anniversary of the events of September 11th. The County Executive also announced plans for a memorial to be built at Eisenhower Park, which will honor the heroes and victims of the World Trade Center tragedy. Janet Wexler-Magee, a resident of Wantagh whose husband worked on the 88th floor of One World Trade Center, was on hand for the announcement. Following the September 9th ceremony, the County will begin a year-long fundraising effort to raise money for the construction of the memorial. A design competition for the memorial is planned.

(L to R): County Legislator Michael Zapson, Janet Wexler-Magee, County Executive Thomas Suozzi, and Hayley Kucich

"The tragedy of September 11th has left an indelible mark on our county as well as our nation," said County Executive Suozzi. "So many of those who lost their lives were from Nassau, and it is my sincerest hope that this ceremony and memorial will lend some solace to pain we, as a county, still feel today."

The ceremony will take place on September 9th at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park, adjacent to Eisenhower pond and hillside. The Ceremony will begin at 8:00pm and will feature a selection of religious and spiritual readings as well as musical performances that will include an original instrumental piano piece "Reflections" performed by Hayley Kucich, age 16, from Manhasset.

Following the ceremony, the County will begin a year long fundraising effort to raise money for the design and construction of the memorial. Additionally, the County is sponsoring a design competition for the memorial. Anyone interested is asked to submit a design that will incorporate two steel girders recovered form Ground Zero as well as include the names of those victims from Nassau County that perished in the attacks. The Design will be formally selected by March 1, 2003.

"It is my hope that this memorial will help people to grieve and to make certain that the events of September 11th are always foremost in our thoughts," said legislator Michael Zapson.

"It is our objective to select a design for the memorial that will properly represent a day that will forever be marked as a turning point in American history," said the County Executive.

Anyone interested in donating money or submitting a design can contact:

Nassau County 9/11 Memorial Project
Nassau County Department of Parks & Recreation
Administrative Building, Eisenhower Park
Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, NY 11554
(516) 572-0200
E-Mail: NC911MemorialProject@hotmail.com