For further information, contact:
Jennifer Poppy
South Brunswick Township
Public Affairs
732-329-4000, ext. 7275
SOUTH BRUNSWICK MARKS 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11 WITH MEMORIAL CEREMONY
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Sept. 11)— South Brunswick Township gathered Friday at the Remembrance Fountain to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, honoring those who lost their lives, those who have since died from the lasting effects of that day and the firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders who answered the call.
The ceremony began with an Honor Guard processional accompanied by bagpipes and included an invocation and closing prayer by Rev. Charles T. O’Connor of St. Cecilia Catholic Church and chaplain for the South Brunswick Police Department. The South Brunswick High School Viking Marching Band performed the National Anthem, Taps and God Bless America.
Mayor Charlie Carley reflected on the lasting impact of September 11 and the importance of passing its memory to future generations.
“Twenty-five years on, memory becomes inheritance,” Mayor Carley said. “It falls to us to carry this day to those who have no memory of their own: to tell our children not only what happened, but what it asked of us, and what it asks of us still. Courage, like the firefighters and police officers and paramedics who climbed those endless stairs. They knew what was above them. They went anyway.”
Deputy Mayor Ken Bierman read the names of four South Brunswick-area residents who were killed in the attacks: Mukul K. Agarwal of Kendall Park, Kenneth Charles Ledee of Monmouth Junction, Jeffrey Robinson of Monmouth Junction and Toyena C. Skinner of Kingston. The ceremony also remembered all those who have since been lost to the lasting effects of September 11.
South Brunswick’s fire, police, EMS and rescue personnel laid four wreaths in honor of those lost, followed by a moment of silence. Lt. William Merkler performed bagpipes during the wreath-laying.
“Twenty-five years have passed, but the courage and sacrifice of September 11th remain forever etched in our hearts,” said Chief Chris Perez of the Kendall Park Fire Company. “We remember the firefighters and first responders who gave everything, the families who were left behind, and the countless acts of courage that followed. As firefighters, we carry their memory with us every time we put on the uniform and answer the call. We will never forget.”
Also participating in the ceremony were Mayor Carley, Deputy Mayor Bierman, Sen. Andrew Zwicker, Assemblyman Roy Freiman and Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis. Representatives from the offices of Gov. Mikie Sherrill and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim were also in attendance, along with members of the South Brunswick Fire Department, Police Department, EMS and rescue organizations, veterans organizations and the community.
Twenty-five years later, South Brunswick gathered once again to remember those lost and honor the courage and sacrifice of all who responded.
“We will never forget.”
###