Canarsie Lions commemorate 9/11 anniversary

Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club on Sunday joined other Lions clubs and the Newton Foundation in commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.

“I would like to thank the Newton Foundation and its President Judith Newton for allowing me speak on behalf of the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club,” said Jean Joseph, the Dominican-born president of the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions, in addressing a solemn ceremony at Seaview Park, in Canarsie, Brooklyn, organized by the Newton Foundation, in marking the 9/11 attacks.

Dr. Judith Newton, the Barbadian-born co-founder and president of the Newton Foundation, addresses ceremony. Photo by Nelson A. King

“I recognize the Lions from the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club and all Lions present here today,” she added. “Let’s give a welcoming hand for the Lions Thank you for being here.”

Joseph, a certified public accountant (CPA) by training, said 9/11 was “a tragic period in the life of our city, our nation and the world.

“It was a horrific day for thousands of people; thousands of lives were lost in the falling of the World Trade Center and the flights that were hijacked on that sad day,” said Joseph, disclosing that she personally suffered a lost in her family.

Her nephew, Fitzroy St. Rose, also perished that day.

Members of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) at the 9/11 commemoration at Seaview Park in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Photo by Nelson A. King

“I can recall Fitzroy calling his mother in the midst of the burning tower and describing the situation to her,” Joseph said. “His last words to his mother were, and I quote ‘I feel the floor opening from under me, as the metal door behind me was closing. I hear a voice calling my name ‘Fitzroy, Fitzroy, Fitzroy.’

“He told his mother he could feel the heat coming from under the floor,” she added. “He sadly told his mother, ‘I must go.’ His mother started to cry. Fitzroy told his mother, ‘Please don’t cry for me; you will be okay.’

“We are here to honor the brave individuals who gave their lives courageously to save others and the lives lost in the aftermath of this tragedy, to honor those who are still alive, as heroes,”  Joseph continued. “I want to thank the Newton Foundation; I would also like to thank the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Clubs and all other Lions for being here today in honor of 9/11. We Will Never Forget!”