For Immediate Release:
August 28, 2024

‘Tribute in Lights’ to honor lives lost on Sept. 11

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present a “Tribute in Lights” to honor the lives lost during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and to commend the heroism shown by rescue team members who responded during and after the attacks.

“Monmouth County began its ‘Tribute in Lights’ in 2020 and the Commissioners believe it is important to offer this tribute so we can continue to fulfill our promise to never forget those who we lost on that tragic day,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “We will always remember and honor the 147 men and women who called our County home and lost their lives on September 11, 2001.”

The “Tribute in Lights” will be illuminated from sunset to 11 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2024, rain or shine. The lights will be visible from Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook, a 12-acre site that houses Monmouth County's September 11 Memorial.

“The Board of Commissioners invites everyone to visit the Monmouth County September 11 Memorial at Mount Mitchill to view the lights and pay tribute to every County resident we lost on September 11, 2001,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System. “Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook will have extended hours from Wednesday, Sept. 11, through Saturday, Sept. 14. The park will close at 11:30 p.m. each evening to allow visitors to spend additional time at the Memorial.”

At 266 feet above sea level, the Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan Peninsula, 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 Sept. 11, 2001. The group’s first responsibility was to select a memorial to fit into Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook.

The Committee launched a major fundraising effort to finance the memorial and by midsummer 2005 the group had exceeded its goal by raising $296,000. Continued donations will support the upkeep and maintenance of the memorial.

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