Reflection, Remembrance At Bernards 9/11 Ceremony

BASKING RIDGE, NJ—Bernards Township's September 11 remembrance ceremony was held Friday night at the 9/11 memorial at Dunham Park, as police, fire, and township officials, and members of the public gathered to remember the victims.

As a crowd massed in the circular memorial and overflowed into the park, Boy Scout Troop 54 presented the colors. Bernards Township Police Lt. Jon Burger led the flag salute, and Julie Baldassare sang the national anthem.

Bernards Township Mayor Jim Baldassare said September 11 has become about remembering the victims, as well as the heroism of the day.

"Today is a solemn day," said Bernards Township Mayor James Baldassare, "it's a day of reflection, its a day of remembrance."

Baldassare stressed that the attacks were more than an attack on places and people. He referenced the passengers on Flight 93, who fought back against the hijackers, as well as police and fire personnel as examples of American spirit.

"This was an attack on our American away of life," said Baldassare, "and that way of life has survived and thrived."

As the township committee recited the names of 18 township residents who died on September 11, 2001, uniformed first responders and members of the public placed roses on the memorial.

"Let this forever be a place of reverence, healing, solace, and comfort," said Basking Ridge Fire Department Chief Peter von der Linde, as he ended the ceremony. "Let all of us here remember the 3,000 who died, especially the 18 that were our fellow residents."