Wednesday, December 11, 2024

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Stone Harbor Announces Plans for Sept. 11 Memorial

 

By Erin Haskell

STONE HARBOR- A large crowd gathered at Stone Harbor Point on Sept. 11 to remember those whose lives were lost during the vicious attacks 12 years ago.
As residents made their way to the ceremony, the Stone Harbor Fire Department raised a sizable American flag from their fire truck ladder at its full height. The flag flew proudly over the duration of the ceremony.
The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, assisted by school children from Stone Harbor Elementary School. The children also contributed their art to the ceremony, which was displayed on bulletin boards next to the podium.
Sister James Dolores gave an opening prayer for the families of the victims left behind and stressed the importance of selflessness.
“We are all one people on this fragile earth,” said Dolores.
The 9/11 Committee was then introduced to the crowd. The 9/11 committee was responsible for choosing the Point of Peace Park as the location for the Sept. 11 memorial as well as for the overall park design. Two of its members were present in New York City during the attacks.
Charles Boylan, a 9/11 committee member who worked for Mercer, a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan, at the time of the attacks, witnessed the plane crashing into the second tower. Boylan told his emotional story and voiced his satisfaction with the Sept. 11 memorial.
“This park will be a special place where people can remember and reflect and commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Boylan.
A letter was read on behalf of Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters, who could not attend the ceremony due to a meeting in Trenton on dredging.
In her letter, Walters acknowledged the honor of hosting an artifact from the World Trade Center, which will be displayed in the memorial.
Monsignor William Quinn of St. Paul Parish spoke about what he witnessed in Stone Harbor after the attacks and how the community rallied together to support each other.
“We can never forget those images, but there was a sense of community,” said Quinn.
The ceremony ended with a rendition of “God Bless America,” which the crowd was asked to join in singing.
The artifact from the World Trade Center was unveiled as the crowd herded toward the displays of the memorial plans. The artifact will be a part of the memorial and will be on display for residents to see and touch.
The Point of Peace Memorial Park will be completed by next year.

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