Port Washington marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks last night with an evening of remembrance and community pride at Whitney Field, culminating in a 54-21 victory for the Port Washington Vikings varsity football team over Syosset.
The community paused before kickoff for the “Port Remembers” ceremony, honoring the Port Washington Police and Fire Departments and remembering all those lost on September 11, 2001. Addressing the crowd from the scorebox, the ceremony's announcer reflected on the enduring weight of that day:
“Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, our nation experienced a tragedy that changed our country and our community forever.
Tonight, here under the lights, surrounded by our students, families, coaches, and neighbors, we pause to remember those whose lives were taken that day.
We remember the families who were forever changed. We remember the courage of the first responders who ran toward danger to help others. And we remember the members of our own community who left home that morning and never returned.
Twenty-five years later, their names still matter. Their stories still matter. And their memory remains a part of who we are. Tonight, we honor not only how these individuals died, but how they lived; the families they loved, the friendships they shared, and the lasting impact they had on the people around them.”
The crowd then stood together for a moment of reflection as the names of Port Washington community members lost on September 11, 2001 were read aloud.
Following the ceremony, the Vikings took the field and put together a dominant performance, defeating Syosset 54-21 and sending the crowd home with plenty to celebrate on an evening dedicated to reflection and gratitude.
Port Washington Athletics thanked the Port Washington Police Department, Port Washington Fire Department, and the entire community for making the evening possible.
District Facilities staff and local first responders crafted a USA themed 25 for Whitney Field for the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Bagpipers led the police and fire departments to the field.
Chiefs, commissioners, officers, and members of the PWPD and PWFD carried a large rolled American flag onto the field.
PWPD and PWFD held the american flag while the National Anthem played.
Schreiber High School Brass Quintent.
Schreiber football entered the field after the police and fire departments.
Schreiber football during the National Anthem.
