Commissioners honor lives lost, efforts by first responders during Sept. 11 ceremony

For Immediate Release:
September 11, 2024

Commissioners honor lives lost, efforts by
first responders during Sept. 11 ceremony

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ - The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners were joined today by State, County and local officials; and family and loved ones of the 147 Monmouth County residents who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, at the 2024 Monmouth County September 11 Memorial Ceremony at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook.

"Today, in honor of all of those we lost, I ask that you tell at least one person who was not alive 23 years ago, or who was too young to remember, about what you experienced that day - the fear, the sadness and the incredible bravery you witnessed. Inspire them to never forget.," said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. "The way we are standing together serves as a powerful reminder of the American spirit and the value of coming together, not only in times of tragedy but in times of healing."

"Every single day since the terrorist attacks, we have grieved the innocent people we lost. To those who have supported the families, friends and loved ones of the victims of September 11, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for being a sympathetic shoulder to cry on, a strong support system and fierce fighters when needed," said Commissioner Deputy Director Ross F. Licitra. "We will always stand by the families of those we lost and we will always uphold our promise to never forget them."

In addition to the families and residents in attendance, the Board of County Commissioners was joined by the Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch, the Monmouth County Sheriff's Honor Guard, singer Julia Santiago, Rev. Joseph J. Connelly Council 11660 Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Color Corps, the Count Basie Center Gospel Choir and Rev. Ronald Sparks of Bethel AME Church, Freehold.

Mount Mitchill is home to Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial which is a tribute to the 147 men and women who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. The path leading to the memorial chronicles the events of that day and at the center is the light stone sculpture of an eagle by local artist Franco Minervini. This eagle grasps a beam from the World Trade Center.

At 266 feet above sea level, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan, providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. This 12-acre site is also home to Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial.

The Memorial Ceremony was live-streamed and can be viewed in its entirety on the Monmouth County Government's Facebook and YouTube Channel.

For more information about Monmouth County, go to visitmonmouth.com.

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