For
Immediate Release:
September 11, 2022
County Commissioners
hosted 21st anniversary
9/11 Memorial
Ceremony
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – The Monmouth County Board
of County Commissioners hosted the Monmouth County September 11 Memorial
Ceremony today at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook with those who lost loved ones
from Monmouth County on September 11, 2001.
“It is the job of each and every one of us here to make sure our youth
realize the importance of this day and the history of this day,” said
Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “The Monmouth County Board of County
Commissioners feels very strongly that this day should never be forgotten. Our
world has changed dramatically, but this is the one thing we need to stay
united on and that is to make sure what happened on Sept. 11 does not happen
again, is always remembered and never forgotten.”
“During the incredible tragedy and heartache of September 11, 2001, we
saw extraordinary courage and sincere compassion. We saw that beacon of hope.
We saw first responders stare death in the eye, willing to exchange their life
for another. We saw selflessness as boat captains arrived over the horizon to
assist with a mass evacuation. We saw the worst in humanity that day, but we
also saw hope,” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth
County Park System. “Hope is a powerful emotion. Hope inspires. Hope can move
mountains. Hope creates strength.”
“We remember today the excruciating shock, pain and horror suffered by
those who were murdered—147 from Monmouth County alone—and the anguish felt by
their families and friends both then and now,” said Rep. Chris Smith
(R-Manchester). “We honor all of these brave Americans at this 9/11 memorial
ceremony, and knowing that the perpetrators of violence and terrorism never
take a holiday—nor can we. May each of us seriously recommit to prayer and
works to ensure that violence in all of its ugly manifestations including
terrorism be mitigated.”
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, Wall Township
High School students Ava Minall, Karina Minall and Nicole DiRocco, Knights of Columbus
Council 11660 Highlands, the
Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, Reverend Garry Koch
of St. Benedict Catholic Church and Rev. Ronald Sparks of Bethel AME Church.
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 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.
Highlands, NJ—Monmouth County officials (L-R County Clerk Christine
G. Hanlon, County Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch, County Commissioner Nick
DiRocco, County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, County Commissioner and
liaison to the County Park System Ross F. Licitra, County Commissioner Deputy
Director Susan M. Kiley and County Sheriff Shaun Golden) gathered at Mount
Mitchill Scenic Overlook to pay tribute to the 147 victims of the September 11,
2001 terrorist attacks at the County’s 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.