Remembering 9/11: Nassau County Memorial

For almost six years Long Islanders have had to carry the grief of 9/11 with no resting place. On September 11, 2003 ground was broken at Eisenhower Park to create a memorial for the many lives lost in the tragedy and aftermath of 9/11. Three years later on September 9, 2007 the Eisenhower Park Patriot Garden Memorial was dedicated to Nassau County residents who lost their lives during the attack.

Eisenhower Park is fitting for a 9/11 memorial and Long Islanders now have a place to rest their sorrows and find some peace. Although the memorial has only been open a short time, thousands have come to pay their respects to loved ones and responders.

The Eisenhower Park Patriot Garden Memorial is awe inspiring with two bright shinning aluminum towers representing the World Trade Center sitting atop a cascading fountain. Two pieces of steel from the wreckage of 9/11 have been incorporated into the design of the memorial as well as a wall naming the victims and several plaques detailing the events that took place in New York City, Shanksville, PA, Washington, DC. Eisenhower Park stretches over 900 serene acres and is also home to Firefighters and Veterans memorials.

The Patriot Garden Memorial is located at the north end of the pond inside Eisenhower Park. Now, Long Islanders can take a moment to grieve without traveling all the way to the city. Currently this 9/11 memorial is the biggest in the country and cost almost 1 million dollars and three years to complete. About 50% of the cost was match donated by government and local organizations and more than 25% of the labor was volunteered. The completion of the Patriot Garden Memorial represents the unity we have gained because of this tragedy and also allows us some final closure.

A short walk alongside the pond leads right up to the memorial where names are etched into marble slates. Thousands of people will visit this memorial each anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Like the Vietnam Wall in Washington, DC the memorial at Eisenhower Park allows people the opportunity to reflect, mourn, leave a photo or flower, and find peace. The detailed work of laborers and crafters is quite evident and built to last. Children and grandchildren of victims, and even their children will all have a place to remember our tragedy and lay sorrows to rest.

Eisenhower Park is located in central Nassau County in East Meadow, NY. From the north or south take the Meadow-brook Parkway to exit M3 for Stewart Avenue. From the south, make a left and from the north make a right onto Stewart Avenue. The park is located at the corner of Stewart and Merrick. Almost 350 Nassau County residents died during the attacks of September 11 and now family and friends finally have a place to remember those lost.