September 11, NEVER FORGET
Under cloudy skies so unlike September 11, 2001, the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners hosted an emotional Memorial Ceremony on Patriots Day, September 11, at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook honoring those who lost loved ones from Monmouth County on September 11, 2001.
“Last year, I stood at this podium and asked our State and Federal governments to declare September 11 a holiday, a day of remembrance; a day where people could attend memorial events in honor of September 11, 2001,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Unfortunately, that did not happen, but it did in Monmouth County, and I would like to thank my fellow Commissioners, Constitutional Officers and staff who helped make today a day of remembrance. I hope today sends a message to our State and Federal governments that September is not only a day of remembrance, but also a day to educate our youth on the events which changed our County and Country forever. ” Arnone reminded the crowd at Mount Mitchill, were crowds had also gathered 22 years previous to see the horrifying devastation of the World Trade Center, to Never Forget.
“When the dust settled and the smoke cleared, America rose up with a promise to Never Forget,” reiterated Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System. “Today, on this National Day of Remembrance, I encourage everyone to find a quiet moment to reflect and to remember the 147 Monmouth County families that were forever changed that day.”
In addition to the families and residents in attendance, the Board of County Commissioners were joined by Atlantic Watch Pipe and Drum Band, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, singer Julia Santiago, Knights of Columbus Council 11660 Highlands and the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Color Corp., the Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, Reverend Garry Koch of St. Benedict Catholic Church and Rev. Ronald Sparks of Bethel AME Church. The Fourth Degree Knights presented a floral arrangement in a formal ceremony at the Mount Mitchill eagle memorial that contains the names of the 147 Monmouth County residents who died in the attack.
Mount Mitchill is home to the Monmouth County’s 9/11 Memorial which is a tribute to the 147 men and women who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. The path leading to the memorial chronicles the events of that day and at the center is the light stone sculpture of any eagle by local artist Franco Minervini. This eagle grasps a beam from the World Trade Center.
At 266 feet, this 122 acre site overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline.
In 2002, the Monmouth County 9/11 Committee formed and began making plans for a fitting tribute to the victims, heroes, and events of September 11 th. The group’s first responsibility was to select a memorial to fit into Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook. The 9/11 Committee then embarked on a major fundraising effort to finance the Memorial. By midsummer 2005 the group exceeded its goal by raising $296,000. Continued donations will support the upkeep and maintenance of the Memorial.
PHOTO: Monmouth County officials (L to R: Sheriff Shaun Golden, Commissioner Deputy Director Nick DiRocco, Commissioner Susan M. Kiley, Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, Commissioner Ross F. Licitra and County Clerk Christine G. Hanlon) and Monmouth County Park System hosted the Monmouth County September 11 Memorial Ceremony at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook to honor the 147 victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks from Monmouth County. Photo by Monmouth County Government.
