13 Lost Two Decades Ago During 9/11 Terrorist Attacks Remembered In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — Residents from Chatham Borough and Township came together for a solemn event this past Saturday night in remembrance of all those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, including 13 people from the Chathams.

The three-segment memorial event on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks commenced at Chatham’s train station as the first memorial stop, where a tree had been planted for those who were killed from the Chathams in the attacks. The procession continued to Reasoner Park and then concluded at Memorial Park. The final salute to those who never made their way back home to the Chathams on the train that night was a whistle tribute from the New Jersey Transit train.

The 13 from the Chathams who perished at the World Trade Center during the terrorist attacks were Donald Leroy Adams, Dennis Buckley, Paul Stuart Gilbey, Gary Robert Haag, Anthony P. Infante, Jr., Robin Blair Larkey, Christian Hartwell Maltby, Philip W. Mastandrea, Peter C. Moutos, Thomas S. Strada, Kenneth J. Swenson, William R. Tieste and Peter M. West.

Chatham's First Aid Squad posted a special online tribute to Swenson, one of their members, remembered for his service to the squad and his friendship, their building dedicated to him on May 8, 2004.

The Essex County Police and Fire Emerald Society Pipe Band helped to lead the procession, which included local first responders, stopping to play “Amazing Grace” as dusk fell.

Keynote speaker Bob Penn, a retired firefighter from Chatham, moved those that were there with his words, wearing a significant shirt as he spoke that he told the crowd he wore while giving a helping hand at Ground Zero after the attacks.

Chatham Borough Council President Carolyn Dempsey said Penn reminded attendees “of our nation’s unity in the days and weeks after 9/11 and how we need get back to that; and to remember to care for one another.”

Along with Councilwoman Jocelyn Mathiasen, her running mate, in addition to Penn’s words resonating with each of them, Dempsey and Mathiasen said, “We remember those we’ve lost, the heroism of so many and that we are stronger together.”

In her Mayor’s Message over the past weekend, Chatham Township Mayor Stacey Ewald recalled she was nine months pregnant on maternity leave and on the way home from her daughter’s school when she heard the news about the first plane, with it then yet unknown that it was an attack.

From there, as many from the area experienced, it was the frantic search for loved ones and then trying to help those stuck in New York City or grounded on flights around the country, to make it home.

The painful reminder, however, for Ewald and others from Chatham, were the cars that remained at Chatham’s train station of those who didn’t make it home.

Ewald’s sentiments were similar to Dempsey’s and Mathiasen’s in that she said, “In the worst of humanity we find the best of humanity.”

“Hate and violence were behind the attacks, but it’s care and compassion that sustained us,” she said. “We were one nation, brought together by tragedy, caring for each other without regard for race, religion, sexual orientation or political affiliation.”

“Too often these days, we find ourselves divided,” said Ewald. “I hope in those moments of division, we can put life in perspective and remember that we accomplish more together if we lead with care and compassion.”

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.