CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

 
 Staten Island joins America in national day of prayer and remembrance

Grief and patriotism were joined together yesterday as Staten Islanders and
the nation flocked to places of worship, held memorial vigils or simply paid
a silent personal homage to the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks.
In some places, the ceremonies felt like funeral services. In others, they
were like pep rallies for a wounded nation.

One particularly somber candlelight vigil was held outside the Meiers
Corners home of the Margiotta family, who gathered with friends and
relatives to pray for the safe return of Lt. Charles Margiotta, one of the
missing members of Rescue 5.

"We loved him," said Betty Sabatino, a neighbor and family friend. "No, put
it this way, we love him," she said. "There have been so many miracles.
Please let there be another one." "It's always the good ones this happens to, because they're good and they're helping people," Elizabeth Sabatino said.

Two fire trucks lined Ingram Avenue, and several firefighters joined in the
prayers for their missing comrade. "Everybody knows somebody involved in this," said Lt. Steve Licursi of Ladder 83, Westerleigh. "It hurts."

Numerous other vigils were held throughout the Island, including countless
Staten Islanders who observed "Light a Candle Night," stepping out of their
homes, cars and businesses alone or in groups to light a taper as a symbol
of remembrance and unity.

 
 Staten Island Advance