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VIGIL IN MASPETH
HONORS HEROES
Pride Follows Terrorist Attacks

by Rob MacKay
After the going had gotten tough, the tough got going. Western Queens was awash in vigils, memorial services and impromptu acts of patriotism this past week.

Family and friends of fallen Firefighter Kevin Smith (top photo) were among the more than 2,000 participants in Sunday night’s vigil in front of Squad 288–Hazardous Material Company One in Maspeth. The saddened but proud crowd held candles, offered prayers and sang patriotic songs. (photos: George Flo)

Family and friends of fallen Firefighter Kevin Smith (top photo) were among the more than 2,000 participants in Sunday night’s vigil in front of Squad 288–Hazardous Material Company One in Maspeth. The saddened but proud crowd held candles, offered prayers and sang patriotic songs. (photos: George Flo)
Family and friends of fallen Firefighter Kevin Smith (top photo) were among the more than 2,000 participants in Sunday night’s vigil in front of Squad 288–Hazardous Material Company One in Maspeth. The saddened but proud crowd held candles, offered prayers and sang patriotic songs. (photos: George Flo)


“The show of support from other citizens of this great country in unbelievable,” said Firefighter Kenny Strohl, a 16-year veteran whose Engine Company 292 in Woodside was missing seven members. “I’ve lost brothers in this tragedy, but this vigil gives me a feeling of inner-strength. Right now I am very proud to be a firefighter and very, very proud to be an American.”
Some of the demonstrations consisted of three family members sharing a moment of silence on their stoop, while others involved thousands of marchers, lighting the night with candles.
Last Friday evening, neighbors filled Fresh Pond Road in Ridgewood (see photo on page one). At the same time, residents gathered with 112th Precinct police for a candlelight vigil at MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills. Glendale, Middle Village and Sunnyside Gardens were among the local neighborhoods which participated in last Friday’s national observance.
Probably the best attended event took place on Sunday night in front of a Maspeth firehouse, where area residents sharing a common sorrow were joined by members of the throng which had gathered for an earlier observance at Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village.
Holding candles and waving American flags, a united group of almost 3,000 mourners crowded around the home of Squad 288—Hazardous Material Company One, which had possibly lost 19 members in the previous Tuesday’s terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
“The men who died for us are true heroes,” said Eileen Goetzer, a computer analyst who had walked from her Woodside residence to the gathering on Perry Avenue and 68th Street. “I hope this outpouring lets the families of the victims know that their loved ones did not die in vain.”
A group of politicians, members of the clergy and top FDNY brass stood in front of the firehouse, giving emotional speeches and leading prayers. On the building’s brick side wall hung a white sign proclaiming: “Band of Brothers—God Bless America.”
Further away from the impenetrable center, individuals stood still, clutching their candles and flags, while others talked casually. They spoke in English, Spanish and Polish. Many attendees got into detailed, comfortable conversations with complete strangers.
To loud cheers on a few occasions, different groups opened up and sustained 20’x15’ versions of Old Glory. Occasional chants of “USA! USA!” broke out.
“I’m both sorry and happy to see such a big turnout,” said life-long Maspeth resident Roger Rogers, a Sanitation worker who picks up Squad 288’s garbage. “It’s nice to see the strong community support at a time like this, but it also shows you how big a tragedy this is.”
Many of the lost firefighters lived on Long Island, where they were volunteer firefighters in their spare time. As a result, fire trucks from such towns as Merrick, West Hempstead, Great Neck and Shirley-Mastic lined the access road to the Long Island Expressway.
August Saccoccio, who volunteers with the Bellmore Fire Department, spoke of Squad 288 member Adam Rand, who volunteered with him in Bellmore. “He was a great guy,” said Saccoccio, the deputy superintendent of the Glendale-based School District 24. “He really would do anything for you.”
After about an hour, participants sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” and started to make their journeys home. All of a sudden it became time to think about the coming work week.
“If you live long enough, you really do see everything,” said a Maspeth resident who claimed to be 66 years old. “This is the first time that I have seen such horrible acts of hatred followed by such beautiful acts of love and unity. May God bless America forever!”

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