NESCONSET, N.Y. (WCBS 880) -- Long Island’s Responders Remembered Park will see nearly 300 new names added to its walls just days after the country marks 20 years since 9/11.
The Nesconset park honors those who were at Ground Zero after the attacks and passed away due to 9/11-related illnesses.
John Feal, who fronts the FealGood Foundation, brought the park to life and continues to oversee names being added to its memorial.
A total of 293 names are being added at a Sept. 18 ceremony, which includes a lengthy list of not just first responders but anyone who passed away from a 9/11-related illness, including suicides related to PTSD.
Feal says the newest names will complete one side of the memorial wall, which will have over 2,000 names on it.
“A decade ago, we had a dream, a goal to build the first of its kind. I made sure the dream/goal was completed,” said Feal.
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Feal lost part of his foot while working at Ground Zero and has been an outspoken advocate for those suffering from illnesses as a result of working at the site.
He has also been on the front lines of extending the World Trade Center 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.
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Feal told ABC7 that the names represented make up all but two Congressional districts across the country.
"I pray that this is my legacy," he said to ABC7, "Because it's something tangible that I get to leave behind."