Sussex County Remembers September 11, 2001

NEWTON, NJ – Under cloudy skies and light sprinkles, emergency personnel and civilians remembered the victims of September 11, 2001 this morning, on the thirteenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington DC, and Shanksville, PA. The annual memorial service took place in front of the Sussex County 9/11 Memorial.

Members of the Sussex County Explorers stand at attention. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Members of the Newton Fire Department during the service. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Members of local police departments and explorers stand at attention. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

The audience during the memorial service, stands at attention as the flag is raised. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Each year since the memorial’s unveiling in 2003, there is a service held. At many of the past services there have been keynote speakers including: Bernard Kerik, Hon. Andrew Napolitano, Gov. Donald DiFrancesco, Gov. Christopher Christie, Elvis Duran, and N.J. Burkett. Click here for the complete list.

Sussex County PBA Local 138 mobilized the efforts to spearhead the memorial, as well as is part of coordinating the annual remembrance event.

Scott King, President of PBA Local 138 speaks at the ceremony. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

The memorial is comprised of a beam that was recovered from the World Trade Center following the disaster. The beam rises up from granite fashioned into rubble, on a pentagon-shaped granite base. Each side is inscribed with the flight numbers hijacked that day, as well as the date, September 11, 2001. The height of the monument is 9 feet 11 inches tall from the base to the top.

Newton Police Officer Scott King, who is the President of PBA Local 138, led the event.

“It is a day that will never be forgotten,” said King.

Reverend David Young gave the invocation and closing benediction. In the opening, Young said, “Many remember where they were and what they were doing that early day in September.”

Reverend David Young gave the invocation and benediction. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office acted as color guard, and the Sussex County Explorers raised the flag.

The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office as Color Guard. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Members of the Sussex County Explorers raise the flag. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Arthur Sibblies, Retired Newton Police Officer, sang the National Anthem.

Retired Police Officer Arthur Sibblies sings the National Anthem. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Before King laid the ceremonial wreath by the memorial with Hopatcong Police Officer Edward Janosko, he made several remarks, reminding the group of the many acts of heroism that day, most likely unknown.

“There were many acts of heroism we’ll never know about,” King said. “Only God will know what they did that day. Their memory will never be forgotten.”

Robert Gagliano finished with a rendition of “Taps,” and members of VFW 10152, lowered the flag.

Robert Gagliano performs Taps.

The crowd at attention during Taps. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Police, firefighters and explorers during Taps. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

VFW Post 10152 members walk towards the monument to lower the flag. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Members of VFW Post 10152 remove the flag from the pole. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Members of VFW Post 10152 ceremoniously fold the flag. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

King gave special thanks to groups including: Sussex County Community College, the college’s Director of Security John Scully, Reverend David Young, Arthur Sibblies, Chris Lynch of Police Pipes and Drums, Wildflowers With Tami, Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Sussex County Explorers, VFW Post 10152, Robert Gagliano, the Pocono Mountain Corvette Club (click here for the NJInsideScene.com article about the car show the club coordinated at Sussex County Community College in August to benefit the 9/11 Memorial), the Newton Fire Department, and New Image Landscaping.

Members of the public view the monument. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

The wreath laid in front of the Sussex County 9/11 Memorial. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

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