The mood was emotional. The speeches, passionate.
“We will never forget!” shouted Embassy Diner owner Gus Tsiorvas to the thousands who gathered in Bethpage Wednesday night for a special 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
For the first time, the beloved diner on Hempstead Turnpike — known for its patriotic décor inside and out — brought the community together to honor the victims, heroes, and survivors of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Tsiorvas, who comes from a family of first responders, shared his own moving moment with the crowd.
His brother is an NYPD officer, one of his sisters serves with the Nassau County Police Department, another with the MTA police, and his brother-in-law is part of the Westbury Police Department.
“I started to cry about a half an hour ago,” he said. “A stranger who said he was at the World Trade Center came over to me and handed me a piece of metal. It was a piece of the North Tower. He told me to keep it in my family forever.
“I said this is the greatest gift I’ve ever gotten.”
The evening also featured remarks from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, former Congressman Peter King, and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joe Saladino. Each reflected on the day that changed America, praising the courage of first responders and the resilience of Long Islanders.
“One of the things we are worried about is that Americans forget what happened 24 years ago when our country was attacked,” said Blakeman. “But we don’t forget in Nassau County. We remember and we honor the victims, and those who continue to lose their lives because of 9/11-related illnesses.”
As night fell, 350 drones lit up the sky in choreographed formations. The breathtaking light show spelled out glowing messages like “NEVER FORGET” and “9/11,” along with images of the Twin Towers and FDNY/NYPD ribbons.
“Tonight was unforgettable,” said Frank from Massapequa, who asked that only his first name be used.
“It was amazing, I’m so proud,” added Jason Sobelman of Levittown.
The ceremony also gave Blakeman a moment to honor conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed earlier that day while speaking at Utah Valley University.
“He was a brilliant man, a man of faith, a man who loved America,” Blakeman said. “May God bless his soul and may we never forget Charlie Kirk.”
