A dedicated Long Island restaurateur has temporarily closed the airspace over his establishments to put on a large-scale drone tribute for first responders and 9/11 victims, driven by heartfelt intentions.
“The slogan is ‘never forgotten,’ but, sadly, people do forget,” Gus Ziolubas, owner of the Embassy Diner, shared.
“What I’m trying to do is remind everyone of the sacrifices our first responders made on 9/11 years ago,” Tsiorvas continued.
He coordinated more than 350 synchronized drones to light up the sky, creating various formations that honored the NYPD, FDNY, Port Authority, and other rescuers in a 12-minute display at 7 PM on Wednesday at Hempstead Turnpike parking lot.
Tsiorvas describes his diner as a “second home” to police and rescue personnel, noting that many of his patrons are members of the NYPD and FDNY.
“I can’t stand the idea that their efforts are overlooked or undervalued,” he stated.
This drone show is a first for the area, with Tsiorvas utilizing the nearby middle school’s soccer fields for staging.
“It really highlights how connected our community is, more than I ever imagined,” Tsiorvas reflected, mentioning that his siblings are all in law enforcement.
What started as a simple emotional tribute has grown into something larger, he noted.
Once the event was announced, Nassau County moved quickly to collaborate with the diner to enhance the commemoration.
“Nassau County was deeply impacted by the 9/11 attacks, losing many lives, including my nephew, Sergeant Tommy Jurgens,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman revealed.
“I commend them for keeping the memories alive through this unique drone show,” Blakeman added, announcing a Thursday night tribute concert featuring local tenor Chris Macchio at Eisenhower Park.
Currently, the Nassau PD is performing “taps” while a pipe band plays “Amazing Grace.”
“I distributed 2,000 mini flags,” Tsiorvas mentioned, influenced by Procop and the national sentiment.
Although he didn’t disclose the final count of drones, he emphasized, “Whatever number you think, it’s definitely more.”
“It’s not about the money. It’s about communicating the right message and showing our pride in supporting law enforcement here on Long Island,” he stated.
“I’ve met several widows since 9/11 and have lost my husband, too,” he added.
Tsiorvas expressed that his commitment to honoring first responders has become the diner’s core mission rather than a side note.
“Customers often come in just to say ‘Thank you,'” he recalled.
One customer remarked, “No place else we go is like this. It’s uplifting to see someone express love for America, especially when so many seem to be fleeing from it these days.”
Tsiorvas dreams of serving President Trump a meal at his diner after the President attends the Ryder Cup nearby at Beth Page Black Golf Course, just days following the tribute.
“It would be an honor to serve him,” he expressed.
