(Sept. 10, 2009) -- LBFD Engineer Gary Biggerstaff is again turning the front lawn of his Belmont Heights area home into a personally constructed Sept. 11 memorial.
File photo
Since 2002, Biggerstaff has placed 343 handmade crosses in perfect files on the front lawn of his home at 257 Bennett Ave...each cross bearing the name of a NYC Firefighter killed on 9/11/01.
The sidewalk and street outside his home also serve as the site for an annual, emotion packed Remembrance Ceremony conducted by Biggerstaff at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11.
Sept. 2008 photo
Engineer Biggerstaff at Sept. 2008 ceremony
The event is free and the public is invited...BUT it's wise to allow plenty of extra time to park; nearby streets are always packed...and Engineer Biggerstaff starts his Remembrance Ceremony at 6 p.m. sharp.
Earlier on the afternoon of 9/11, Engineer Biggerstaff leads a motorcycle ride from Cook's Corner in OC to LB.
The history of this great country is is immersed in stories of heroism and sacrifice. It is the strong, the noble and courageous, who put themselves in harms way for a counrtyman or a cause greater than themselves. Nearly 3000 innocent people died on September 11th, most of whom were running instictively to save themselves. Meanwhile 343 of FDNY's Bravest ran into harms way and answered what would be their last call for help. These brave Americans must be recognized for their sacrifice and chivalry. It is our patriotic duty. Something I do with respect and honor.
In a separately conducted event, on the morning of Sept. 11 LBPD/LBFD conduct their annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony next to City Hall. The event begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and includes a pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence and the placing of wreaths at the base of the LBPD/LBFD memorial (adjacent to City Hall, next to Chestnut Ave. south of Broadway).
A bugler sounds Taps; a bagpiper plays Amazing Grace...and no speeches are given.
