This morning, to mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and honor all of those lives lost, as well as to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our fellow Americans that day and in years to follow, Mayor Robert Hudak, members of the Township Council, Chief Robert Dolan, and special guests joined our residents for a remembrance ceremony in the Municipal Complex courtyard.
We paused this morning, all of these years later, to reflect upon those lives lost on that fateful day and in later years in service of our County. The names of each Ocean County resident lost on September 11th were read, including Manchester Township resident Cira Patti.
“Today we honor not just those who perished, but our thoughts turn to our first responders and those still suffering the after effects of that terrible day,” said Mayor Hudak, who issued a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing the profound ways in which September 11th has touched so many lives and brought out the best in our Country’s character.
To continue the ceremony, Geri Oliverie gave a keynote address speaking to the sacrifices our service members made in the years that followed, and Rev. David Rittinger of Whiting Bible Church delivered the Invocation and Benediction. Additionally, the Manchester Police Honor Guard performed the Presentation of Colors, and to close the morning’s events Alex Burke performed “Taps.” Patriotic musical performances throughout the ceremony included “God Bless America,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Amazing Grace,” and “America the Beautiful.”
On behalf of Mayor Hudak and the Township Council, thank you to everyone who attended and participated in creating such a memorable event to mark the 20th anniversary of September 11th. A special thank you goes to Director Tracey Lynch and Manchester Recreation for organizing this remembrance.
We will never forget.