NORTH WILDWOOD — What might have been a quiet, somber morning, setting the mood for North Wildwood’s 9/11 Commemoration on Patriot Day 2009 was, instead, a morning of unnerving emergencies caused by a vicious coastal storm that hit on the eve of the event.
Flooding, downed trees, and school closings kept the Police, Fire, and Public Works departments busy, while organizers at City Hall revamped the plan, moving it indoors to Council Chambers.
Surprisingly, the morning’s difficulties didn’t deter many. Every seat in Chambers was taken and the solemn ceremony went off almost exactly as planned. Mayor Bill Henfey welcomed all those who ventured out despite the weather.
Mayor Henfey said, “We meet today to honor the lives and memories of the victims who were lost eight years ago in the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. Our tribute is for each of them, their families and survivors, so touched by that day.”
At 8:56 a.m. Mayor Henfey announced a moment of silence, while North Wildwood Fire Department Captain Eugene Sanguinetti, accompanied by Firefighter Terri DelVicario, rang the commencement bell: two, nine, seven, and three times to represent the 2,973 victims of 9/11. Then Sgt. Kevin Toland played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes. Father Joseph Wallace of St. Ann Church spoke, urging all of us to cultivate peace in our lives, after which all said the Pledge of Allegiance.
After Fire Chief Paul Evangelista addressed the group, Council President Patrick Rosenello welcomed attending dignitaries and thanked them for coming: Bob Fin from VFW Post 5941; Cape May County Emerald Society Color Guard, and President Chuck Meissler; Irish Piper Sgt. Kevin Toland, North Wildwood Police Chief Robert A. Matteucci, and Police Capt. Robert Caruso, who had carried the 9/11 Flag of Honor into Chambers. Then Pastor Ginny Keiser of North Wildwood’s First United Methodist Church closed the Commemoration with her memory of when she first learned of the attacks, and her prayer for all those we remember on this day.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
