Community Remembers 9/11

It's a day we'll never forget.

The terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 forever changed our country and its outlook on the world. Nearly 3,000 people died that day, including 60 Union County residents.

To remember those who died, and honor those who served, several area groups are hosting special Sept. 11 events. Below is a full list of ceremonies and services in Scotch Plains, Fanwood and beyond.

Scotch Plains

• A flag ceremony and choral program will be held at Evergreen Elementary School at 9 a.m. The program will take place on the front lawn of the school at the flagpole.

• The Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Student Government Association is holding a memorial service to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks at 2:40 p.m. in the field behind the Evergreen School (near the entrance to the high school fields). Student government officers, the chorus and the band will participate in the rededication of a tree planted to honor the 9/11 victims as a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Students and community members are invited to attend.
• St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church in Scotch Plains will celebrate a “Red, White and Blue” Mass on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. This Mass will honor the dedicated men and women who serve on the police force, fire department and rescue squad of Scotch Plains and Fanwood. The Mass will also remember those who perished on September 11, 2001. Bishop Manuel Cruz, bishop for Union County, will be presiding. A light reception will follow the Mass.

Fanwood

• The Fanwood Memorial Library will show a screening of the film “Man on Wire,” a look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City's World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974, which some consider "the artistic crime of the century.” The film begins at 7 p.m.

• The Fanwood library’s current events group will also discuss life after 9/11 during its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 21. The program is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the adult department.

Mountainside

• The 9/11 memorial at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside will be attended from morning through the night. The memorial, which is accessible via the park entrance off Springfield Avenue, will have candles available to light and flowers for visitors to place throughout the day.

Roselle Park

• A ceremony remembering the victims and heroes of the 9/11, as well as those who are currently in the military, abroad and at home, will be held at 7 p.m. at Michael J. Mauri Gazebo Park on Chestnut Street and East Grant Avenue.

Westfield

• "Tribute to the Twin Towers," an exhibit of photography by Martin Muller, is on display now through Sept. 30 at the Westfield Memorial Library, 550 E. Broad St.

• A community gathering to commemorate 9/11 will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the 9/11 Memorial site on North Avenue near East Broad Street. The ceremony will begin with the ringing of the First United Methodist Church bells, and will be followed with speeches by the mayor and local religious leaders. A wreath will also be presented by an honor guard, and taps will be performed by Ted Schlosberg of the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts. The ceremony will be moved to the Westfield Municipal Building, 425 East Broad Street, in the event of rain.