Remembrance, Unity Stressed At Morris Plains 9/11 Memorial

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ—Beneath dark, cloudy skies, more than 100 people gathered at the 9/11 Memorial on Hanover Road to remember the 19th anniversary of the 2001 attacks that killed thousands in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.

"We stand in front of this twisted steel beam from the North Tower as a reminder to never forget," said U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a former navy helicopter pilot. "Even more importantly, a reminder that on one of our darkest days we saw the very best of America."

After Sherrill spoke, Principal of the Borough School Andrew Kramar, who worked in the North Tower and was in lower Manhattan on September 11, said that simply by gathering and commemorating, Americans had prevented the terrorists from winning.

"This day is important to remember because of what those terrorists were trying to accomplish," Kramar said. "They were attempting to change what makes our nation truly great."

Kramar recalled arriving at the World Trade Center on Sept.11, knowing something was wrong and smelling a strange, strong odor—jet fuel.

"I had no idea what was in store for me when the train doors opened," he said, "I knew the instant I got off the train that something was amiss."

Kramar, who was familiar with the area and subways, boarded a northbound train and by then, one of the towers had fallen. He said he remembers returning home safely, and the unity of Americans after the attacks.

"The nation came together as one," he said, "people were able to see past their petty differences, and realize at the heart of it, we're all just Americans."

Alison Crowther, mother of Welles Crowther, who died on 9/11 and is the subject of a new documentary "The Man in the Red Bandana" advised the attendees to bridge gaps, not build them.

"I used to say that 9/11 showed me that there are things that can't be forgiven," she said, "I've learned over the last few years there can be a gray zone. I say to young people, let go of anger or resentment, all that does is prevent you from being the best you can be."

Crowther said a trip to Jordan speak about her son to the leaders of several Arab countries opened her eyes and helped her let go of her lingering anger.

"They all condemned the actions of the terrorists," she said, "they said the people who did this [9/11 attacks] are criminals. It was like a light bulb going off for me."

After Crowther spoke, taps was played, followed by a singing of God Bless America. Of all the messages of hope, perseverance and defiance in Friday's program, Kramar's message perhaps summed up the theme of the morning:

"We can never forget," he said. "Not the day after that tragedy, not 19 years later, not ever."