For Immediate
Release:
August 12, 2021
County Commissioners to hold 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to
mark 20th Anniversary
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County
Commissioners will hold the Monmouth County September 11 Memorial Ceremony for
a time of reflection and remembrance at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook at 460
Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Highlands, NJ on Saturday, September 11 at 8:00 a.m.
“As we approach the 20th anniversary of
the September 11th terrorist attacks, the Board of County Commissioners
invite the families of those who lost their lives during this tragedy,” said Commissioner
Director Thomas A. Arnone. “We will never forget what took place around the
country on that tragic day, in particular, to the 147 families that lost loved
ones who call Monmouth County home. We must continue to offer support to the
families in any way possible.”
“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,” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth
County Park System. “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. It
is a fitting tribute and our way of honoring those who lost their lives that
day.”
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.
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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