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9/11 widow unveils gallery at Lido Beach park to pay tribute to fallen FDNY first responders

On Tuesday, Dawn Kirchner unveiled the Ronald J. Kirchner Memorial Art Gallery at Lido Beach Town Park, a tribute named in honor of her late husband, who died from a 9/11-related illness.

Karina Kovac

Sep 8, 2026, 1:06 PM

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25 years after the 9/11 terror attacks, one Oceanside woman is ensuring the sacrifice of local first responders is never forgotten.

On Tuesday, Dawn Kirchner unveiled the Ronald J. Kirchner Memorial Art Gallery at Lido Beach Town Park, a tribute named in honor of her late husband, who died from a 9/11-related illness.

The exhibit highlights the stories of FDNY first responders from the Town of Hempstead who lost their lives.

"The goal of opening this art gallery is twofold, to honor and remember those who put others' lives ahead of their own on that day and to acknowledge the rebirth that took place afterwards," Kirchner said.

The gallery will first open Friday for those attending the Town of Hempstead's 9/11 Sunrise Memorial Service.

Its official grand opening is scheduled for Sept. 26.

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