9/11 Memorials Big and Small
by doleary • September 19, 2011 • News • 0 Comments
By DAN O’LEARY
On Sept. 11, 2001, America fell prey to its worst terrorist attack in history, and a decade later residents in a small New Jersey suburb remembered that tragic day.
Dumont, a town of around 18,000 held two memorials on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the first Inside the Dumont High School gymnasium bright and early at 9 a.m. Inside the gymnasium was an interfaith service featuring a slideshow of Ground Zero along with police and firefighters made the event very special for all in attendance.
Both big or small Dumont residents show patriotism in remembrance of 9/11. PHOTO/Dan O'Leary
“Living so close to New York City for so long I feel so strongly about what happened this day 10 years ago. It’s nice to see people in town come together and show support for something that may or may not have personally affected them.” said, Mary Sheehan, 44 year resident-ofDumont.
The first memorial Dumont held was Inside the Dumont High School gymnasium bright and early at 9 a.m. It was called an interfaith service for all to come together and commemorate the events on 9/11. A Slideshow of ground zero along with police and firefighters made the event very special for all in attendance.
As the sun descended Dumont prepared for its second and final memorial of the day. A candlelight vigil was held by St. Mary’s Parish of Dumont at Dumont’s Memorial park for anyone who wished to attend. Dumont’s Police force, Emergency Medical Technicians and Fire Department were all in attendance in full uniform out of both honor and respect.
About a 150 or so residents came out to pay their respects, and when every candle was lit a short silence filled the park. The dim lit park became brighter when the Fire Department raised an American flag from the bucket of one of the trucks and only one spotlight shined as it swayed in the wind.
Hours after Ground Zero was attacked Dumont residents set candles on their porch, steps or stoop to show love for their fellow Americans both fallen and survivors.
While standing amongst the sea of candlelight, some remembered what the light meant to them on that faithful morning.
Dumont residents keep loved ones close to their hearts during a candle light vigil. PHOTO by Dan O'Leary
“These are the same candles I lit in 2001 when it[September 11] happened and I actually kept them, and for the past 10 years my husband has been joking what are you going to do save them? and I thought this was the perfect time to bring them out again”, said Nancy Foti, long time resident of Dumont and mother of Dumont Detective Tom Foti.
Flags hung from the Dumont fire truck. PHOTO/Dan O'Leary
Speakers included young talents singing a song of their choice, a poem from a young girl who lost her father in 9/11, and a man who was actually in the north tower when the plane hit. A somber feeling filled the park and the constant sound of sobbing and crying could be heard.
The ceremony ended with the Mayor of Dumont Matthew McHale, Thanking all in attendance for making the memorial so successful and honoring those who are no longer with us.
Towers gone but the lights shine on
Since 2002, the towers of light have become probably the most iconic 9/11 memorial in the world. In honor of those both living and deceased, two beams of light adorned the sky to resemble the two towers as if they were still standing.
Proposed by the Municipal Arts Society of New York it started as just a memorial from March 11 to April 14, 2002, but quickly became an anniversary tradition and something that Americans can look forward to.
This beautiful display had grown from just an idea to one of the most significant 9/11 memorials since the attacks.. But in 2008 an announcement was made[by the Municipal Arts Society of New York] that the towers of light memorial would cease to exist after the 10th anniversary.
Dumont Mayor Matthew McHale ended his candle-lit speech with words from his heart and a tear in his eye. “September 11th showed us how important it is to stand together, and you all coming out here tonight shows real dedication to one another and its really nice to see.” McHale said. “Thank you for making tonight so special.”