Twenty-three years ago two planes flew into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, killing 2,996 people, 750 from New Jersey.
We remember this day with a sense of deep loss for those who died suddenly, violently, in an unexpected attack on our nation.
We also remember the first responders and other heroes who tried to save them.
Ceremonies will be held in most municipalities in Cape May County to mark the day.
Following is a schedule of memorial events taking place on Wednesday, Sept. 11:
Cape May
Cape May Firehouse, 712 Franklin St., 6 p.m.
The annual commemoration ceremony is a solemn and moving affair, with speakers from local organizations along with community leaders who will talk of the sacrifice of police, fire and emergency medical technicians who valiantly struggled that day to save lives. Seating is limited, so please bring a chair. Parking is available at the lot at Lafayette and St. John.
Prior to the ceremony, a piece of steel from the World Trade Center will be on display inside the firehouse. Guests are encouraged to view this memorable piece of history beginning at 5 p.m..
Lower Township
Naval Air Station Wildwood at the Cape May Airport, 5:30 p.m.
15th Street fire station, 8:40 a.m.
Fire Department headquarters, Sixth and Asbury Avenue, 6 p.m.
Sea Isle City
Veterans Park, JFK Boulevard and Landis Ave, at 9 a.m.
The ceremony will include patriotic hymns and words of remembrance for those who died on that fateful September morning in New York, Virgina and Pennsylvania. The rain location for this event will be inside the Sea Isle City Fire Department at 233 JFK Boulevard (adjacent to City Hall). For more information, please phone 609-263-4461, ext. 1245.
Seaville
Osprey Point, 1731 Route 9, 10 a.m.
James Joyce, Osprey Point resident and Army veteran, will serve as host. A flag honoring and memorializing Cpl. Frank Crognale, World War II Army combat veteran, will be presented to the community. The Upper Township Rescue Squad & Fire Departments will be present, with the flying of a huge American flag from the aerial ladder truck.
Members of the American Legion Post 239 of Tuckahoe, led by Commander Bill Archer, will be present. He will place a wreath honoring the fallen victims followed by the sounding of “Taps.” Cape May resident Jim Offner will be the guest vocalist. Members of the Upper Township committee will be present.
The guest speaker will be William Brewer, deputy grand knight, Monsignor James J. Zegers Resurrection Council, Knights of Columbus.
Stone Harbor
9/11 Memorial Site, 123rd Street and Second Avenue, 8 a.m.
Wildwood
Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Ave., 1 p.m.
The ceremony will include 9/11 first responders, representatives from the Wildwood fire and police departments, as well as religious and civic leaders. In addition to the speakers, The City of Wildwood Fire Department will present “Ringing of the Bell” and ”Presenting of the Colors” by the City of Wildwood Honor Guard.
Wildwood Crest
Alameno Park, New Jersey and Miami avenues, 5:30 p.m.
