The controversy that's gripped the world came to Woodhaven last week in the form of a rally at Forest Park, entitled "Move the Mosque." Sponsored by candidate for Congress, Bob Turner (looking to unseat Anthony Weiner), the rally attracted a few hundred people.
The rally was scheduled for 7:30 and people were filing in way beforehand. Weather-wise, it was one of the better nights we've had up at the park -- it was nice and cool, a slight breeze, and no bugs. Before the rally began, people milled around and spoke.
In addition to the mosque issue, there were lots of indications that 9/11 would be a focal point of the evening. We were at a 9/11 remembrance ceremony last year, sponsored by the GWDC -- click here to read all about it.
There were other candidates on hand -- below is Anthony Como and Donna Marie Caltabiano.
And here's some bipartisanship for you -- Donna Marie and Nick Comaianni pose before the rally.
As the sun set, the speakers took to the stage and we were led in prayer by Father Steve Tyminski.
Here's a panorama shot we took during the prayer. You can read more details about the event here.
The first speaker was Mr. Jay Burke who told a rapt audience about his son, Matt, who was working at Cantor Fitzgerald and perished in the North Tower. He was 28 years old. He was followed by Mr. Turner.
Here is some video of Mr. Burke and Mr. Turner --
The rally was organized by Mr. Turner and he voiced his opposition the mosque's proposed location near Ground Zero.
16-year old Nate Rivkin engaged the audience. He's the National High School Chair for Young Americans for Freedom.
Then Dan Halloran, City Council of the 19th District spoke --
Followed by Anthony Como.
And the final speaker was Jerry Sullivan, whose brother Patrick perished on 9/11 while he worked blocks away at the Stock Exchange. Click here to read a profile on the Sullivans -- Jerry, Patrick and firefighter brother Greg who was also there that day. Here is a 2nd profile, written a few years later.
It was an emotional evening -- heck, it's an emotional week. Regardless of how you feel about the issue of the mosque, the stories from the families never fail to grab your attention.
The evening wrapped up with a prayer and then there was a lot more milling around and talking. People were sharing their memories of 9/11 and their thoughts --
Here's some high-definition footage of the crowd right before the rally from Bobby "The Flash" Gennaro.
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