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Why the LIMLF does what it does...
...from Billy Rebman & Ray Buckley
Co-chairman, LIMLF 9/11 Lacrosse Memorial
Sharing a heart-warming note from the mother of Andrew Stergiopoulos--- one of the 29 heroes that the 9/11 LIMLF Lacrosse Memorial honors:
"It warms my heart to know that there are wonderful good fine
people like you and the Long Island Lacrosse Family in our world.
You all took the time and effort to do such a great tribute to your
fallen Long Island teammates. It means a lot to my family and to
me to know you all really care.
Andrew loved playing lacrosse--- it was his passion. Now, I understand
better it was not only the game, but also the people who he played with.
It was really his second family.
Thank you again for everything.
Warm regards,
Angela Stergiopoulos
September 11, 2001 Memorial - Dedication Ceremony
On a perfect September 9th evening, the LIMLF proudly unveiled the magnificent Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Foundation September 11, 2001 Memorial at Farmingdale State University.
The evening was made even more meaningful with the presence of many of the family and friends of the twenty-nine lacrosse heroes honored on the LIMLF 9/11 Memorial.
The dedication commenced with the FDNY Ceremonial Unit Color Guard and Emerald Society Bagpipe Band leading a contingent of uniformed members of the NYPD, FDNY and Port Authority to the Memorial. The entrance to the Memorial was draped with a large Ameriacn Flag arch created by the Hicksville and Farmingdale Fire Departments ladder trucks. The actual Emergency Services truck named for one of fallen heroes, Ronny Kloepfer, was also strategically placed near the entrance.
The ceremony program began with:
Pledge of Allegiance - Harvey Cohen, National Hall of Fame
Spangled Banner - Meghan Nolan Lecci , 2003 Miss Long Island
Moment of Silence - John Phillips, First Vice President
Invocation - Charles Russo, Second Vice President,
Master of Ceremonies - Ray Buckley, President
Welcoming Remarks - Dr. Jonathan Gibralter, Farmingdale State University President
Introduction of Special Guests - Norman Murray, LIMLF Board member
Keynote Speaker - Coach Richie Moran, National Hall of Fame
Dedication Stone unveiled - Dr. Jonathan Gibralter and Billy Rebman
Introduction of Families - Billy Rebman, Memorial Chairperson
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Representives from each family
God Bless America - Meghan Nolan Lecci, 2003 Miss Long Island
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As part of the Introduction of the Families and the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies, Chairperson, Billy Rebman read a beautifully prepared and extremely well presented background biography for each of our twenty-nine lacrosse heroes. After each of the the biographies, Billy asked the family members to unveiling their loved one's name on the tall black granite towers. Each of the famlies received a personalized, beautiful granite replica of the Memorial and an American Flag.
The entire DedicationCeremony was done with class and distinction.
Special congratulations and thanks must be extended to Chairperson Billy Rebman and his hard working committee; Jimmy Howell and Jimmy Butler for the wonderful job they did in performing and completing all the necessary requirements and tasks to make this outstanding Memorial a reality. Collectively and independently, the committee ran the gambit from drawing up the original sketches of the Memorial, to selecting the site of the Memorial, to arranging for the donation of the large flag pole and American flag, formulating the Dedication program, establishing the caterer for the reception, and preparing the final details and arrangements for the Dedication Ceremony.
Sincere thanks to all the members of the LIMLF Board of Directors who were present at the Dedication Ceremony. Your presence was recognized and deeply appreciated. Great job and thank you for your wonderful show of support.
Finally, to all of you who have been so unbelievable generous with the many fundraising efforts the committee has suggested over the last few years, we truly own you our sincerest gratitude. We could not have completed this meaningful project without your outstanding cooperation and tremendous support. Thank you very much.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Special Thanks and Appreciation
Mike Laurano --- Wicklow and Laurano Contracting Company
Todd and Holly Schwartz --- The Hallway Company
Michael Interrante --- MCI Architecture and Design
Jim Hartlep --- Etched in Stone Granite Creation
Thomas Collins Family --- Phoenix Foundation
U.S. Men's Division Lacrosse Coaches Council
Pole Tech American Flag and Pole Company
Kevin Theofield--- AKEMI North America
Charles Interrante --- Interrante Electric
Michael Sweeney --- BK Sweeney's
North Shore Monuments
David Leistman Family
Mid-Island Press
Bill Ritch Family
Mort Bouchard
U.S. Lacrosse
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