By Michael V. Cusenza
Retired Firefighter Dominick DeVito, a hero in perpetuity, struggled to get to his feet on Sunday.
The man whose body has been ravaged by myriad World Trade Center diseases continues to summon—daily—the courage and bravery that marked his career, the resolve that fueled his macabre mission of recovery as he worked feverishly all those weeks at The Pile at Ground Zero.
And on Sunday, he provided yet another example of what it truly means to sacrifice for the betterment of others. DeVito, once again, led the way on Sunday at the Howard Beach community’s Sept. 11 Ceremony at the memorial site at 84th Street and 157th Avenue. With help from his fellow Bravest, DeVito was able to stand and help raise the flag up the brand-new pole, along with Army veteran Eddie Earl, and salute Old Glory. In a much-deserved respite, DeVito returned to his chair—only to continue saluting the Stars and Stripes
Tears flooded the hallowed grounds.
Photo Courtesy of Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic
The community holds a dignified memorial every year at the site.
“Having Dominick be able to be here with us, with all he has been through, and actually have him be helped to stand by other service members so that he could raise the flag for the community was one of the most special scenes I have ever witnessed,” said Phyllis Inserillo, co- president of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association.
“Dominick sat for five nights at the feast we held in Howard Beach and sold bows and 50/50 raffle tickets to make sure that we would have the money to pay for the flagpole and installation. He was a dedicated member of the FDNY and our city on September 11th and he continues his dedication to this day,” added Civic Co-President Barbara McNamara.
The Civic Association plans to continue the beautification of the area as a memorial site for those that were lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and in honor of all those whose lives were changed that day.
“This is one way that as a community, we can continue our promise to Never Forget and make sure generations to come know about the significance of that day. They need to know Dominick’s story and [FDNY Capt.] Jay Frango’s story and [retired City Firefighter]John Morabito’s story of heroism and hope on a day the unthinkable happened,” Inserillo said.
