‘Never forget:’ Palm Coast honors the fallen at 9/11 Candlelight Memorial Service

We are the eyes and ears for those who were too young to remember or were not born yet, Mayor David Alfin said.

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The prevailing message at Palm Coast’s 9/11 Candlelight Memorial Service — as it was in so many other memorial gatherings on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks — was “never forget”.

Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said more than 100 million Americans were not yet born on that tragic day and it is the job of those old enough to remember to pass on the stories of resilience, sacrifice and commitment to serve.

More than 100 babies who were still in the womb lost their fathers in the attacks, Alfin said. He told the story of one of them, Manuel DaMoto Jr. of Long Island, New York, whose father, a carpenter, was working on a project on the Windows on the World restaurant in the North Tower that day.

“Manny was born six months later,” Alfin said.

DaMoto Jr. grew up in a home filled with furniture his father designed and built. DaMoto Sr.'s tools remained in his workroom in the basement. Today, Manny is a student at Pace University, majoring in psychology.

Alfin said it is up to people who remember 9/11 to be the eyes and ears for those too young or were not yet born.

“We must never let 3,000 Americans be taken in vain,” he said. “We must therefore, never forget.”

The city’s annual memorial service was moved form Heroes Memorial Park to Fire Station 21 because of the weather. Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill also spoke. Palm Coast Fire Department Chaplain Chris Cottle, Berryhill, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and Alfin each lit a candle in honor of those who lost their lives on that day and in the years since from related illnesses. Cottle lit a white candle for peace and hope, Berryhill a red candle for firefighters, Staly a blue candle for law enforcement officers and Alfin a yellow candle for civilians.

Candles were then passed out and lit for all of the people in attendance.

Cottle read the Firefighter’s Prayer. Firefighter Jesus Cordova rang the 5-5-5-5 bell signal honoring those who died. Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Commander Kenny Goncalves sang the national anthem and “God Bless America.” The PCFD Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums presented the colors. Firefighter Tim Auerbach played “Taps.” And Lt. Patrick Juliano played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes to close the service.

 

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