In the aftermath of September 11, many residents of our community were left with an empty feeling, not knowing how they could help, or how to deal with the horror of losing their friends and family members in the cowardly terrorist attacks. A group of community conscious individuals led by Kathy Pellegrino organized a candlelight vigil in Juniper Valley Park by handing out flyers throughout the community.

On 9/16/01, nearly 6,000 people gathered on the lower ballfields of Juniper Valley Park to participate in a moving vigil that touched everyone's heart and soul and the memory of this event will be etched in our minds for years to come. This vigil afforded people an opportunity to express their anger, sorrow and support for the victims' family members and to show solidarity and pride in being Americans.

On Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 7:00pm there will be an Anniversary Vigil at Juniper Valley Park on the lower ballfields. It will be an opportunity for all of our communities to come together again and pay tribute to those who were lost in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93. In addition, there will be a special tribute to all of the local victims.

If you wish to help organize or participate or want to make sure that a family member's name is included in our program, please contact Kathy Pellegrino at (718) 894-3116, the Juniper Park Civic Association at (718) 651-5865, or Council Member Dennis Gallagher at (718) 366-3900.

Please help us make this anniversary vigil a success by spreading the word to your neighbors and friends, because in unity, there is strength. The belief in our American way of life is stronger than ever. Come and show your support and hope for the continuing strength of our community and our Nation.

Within the neighborhoods that make up Community Board 5, Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village and Maspeth, approximately 62 people who either worked here or lived here lost their life at the World Trade Center on 09/11/01. It is incumbent upon us to honor their memory and the sacrifices they made that day.

In conjunction with this event the JPCA will erect as many banners of the American Flag as sponsorship will permit. The flag banners will hang on light poles throughout the community. The following sponsors have purchased flags in honor of those lost in the World Trade Center attack: Artis Drugs, LaFres Ford, Maspeth Federal Savings, Meyer Chevrolet, Queens Falcons Football, Juniper Park Civic Association, The Juniper Berry, Cross County Federal Savings, Greenpoint Bank, Astoria Federal Savings, Fleet Bank and Gander's Mobil On The Run. More sponsors are expected in the coming days.