For
Immediate Release:
September 9, 2020
County
to sponsor a “Tribute in Lights”
in
honor of 9/11
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – In honor
of the lives lost and the fearless display of heroism by rescue teams and
citizens who responded to the tragedy on September 11, 2001, the Monmouth
County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a “Tribute in Lights” for three
nights beginning on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020.
“Whether at an organized ceremony
or privately, everyone should be granted the opportunity to honor and remember
the tragic events that occurred on 9/11,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry,
liaison to the Monmouth County Park System. “Now 19 years later, we remember
those who died and recognize the thousands who survived. We remember American
freedoms and liberties and we reaffirm our commitment to defend freedom against
all enemies.”
The lights will be illuminated
from sunset to 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday,
Sept. 13. The lights will be visible from Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook.
“The
Freeholders felt that it was incredibly important to sponsor these tribute
lights to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the tragic attacks that occurred
on 9/11,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “For the families of those
lost and to those who are still fighting illnesses stemming from the cleanup,
please know Monmouth County will never forget. We especially remember the 147
men and women who called our county home.”
At 266 feet, this 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. This
12-acre site is also home to Monmouth County's
9/11 Memorial.
There
were 147 people from Monmouth County who perished in the terrorists attacks of
September 11th, 2001. For days and weeks afterward, people visited Mount
Mitchill to reflect and remember.
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 11th. 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.
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