On a deadline Tuesday morning Sept. 11, 2001, a call came into the newspaper office to turn on the small television as a plane had crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.
Thinking it was an accident while watching the building burn, another plane came into the picture and crashed into the South Tower just 18 minutes after the first one. “It’s a terror attack,” everyone concluded.
The reports got worse, as another jetliner struck the Pentagon in Washington, DC, followed by a fourth plane that crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA. The American people were shaken by the horror on that terrible day 25 years ago.
Yet heroes gave their lives to save others, from the passengers who fought back and took over the flight heading to the U.S. Capital to the police officers and the firefighters who ran into the burning buildings to rescue people.
By the end of the day 2,977 Americans and the 19 al-Qaeda terrorists who took over the planes were dead. The carnage ravaged New York City, killing 2,753 people including 343 NYFD firefighters and paramedics, 23 NYPD officers and 37 Port Authority police officers.
Exactly twenty-five years following the attack on America, citizens from the surrounding communities will come together at Brooklawn United Methodist Church, Maude and Hannevig avenues for a commemoration ceremony at 7 p.m. to honor the victims of September 11, 2001.
Sponsored by American Legion Post 72 in Brooklawn, the ceremony honors the victims of the attack on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, airline flight takeover and the American military service personnel who have died in the battle against terrorism while other members of the service continue to fight, Chairman Ted Howarth said.
“American Legion posts across America are energizing their communities to ensure that the innocent victims will never be forgotten. “We must never forget all of those who gave their lives for this great country,” said Howarth, who invites everyone to join together in this uniting ceremony.
Also, Brooklawn church bells will be heard ringing at the exact times the incidents of September 11 took place.
According to Pastor Daniel Amey of the Brooklaawn United Methodist Church, the bells will ring at 8:45 a.m. in remembrance of those who died when American Airline Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center; at 9:03 a.m. in remembrance of those who died when United Airlines 175 struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center; at 9:43 a.m. in remembrance of those who died when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon; and at 10 a.m. in remembrance of those who died when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, PA; and at 12 noon in remembrance to all those lost to acts of terrorism.
Commander Flannagan said the ceremony will begin by recognizing emergency service personnel who have remained strong throughout the entire ordeal on the attack on America and who have upheld the honor of patriotism.
There will be a number of different events during the ceremony, including the placement of a ceremonial wreath to commemorate past war fighters who are now deceased, Howarth said. “The ceremony will not only honor those who have died, but also those who live and continue to fight for the freedoms of this great nation. As a nation united, we must remain committed to supporting the men and women of our armed forces as they serve with honor and courage.”
Post Commander Flannagan, Auxiliary President Denise Rubba and SAL Commander Semple thank those participating besides the members of the Brooklawn Memorial American Legion Post #72 in the ceremony. They are Pastor Daniel Amey, Mayor Skip Granstrom, Senior Vice Commander John Kauzowicz, Secretary Rileigh Mason, Gloucester City High School ROTC and members of the Brooklawn Police and Fire departments
Howarth concluded by stating that the ceremony will take place on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. and again invites the families of those who have a member serving on active duty, no matter where they may be stationed as they are part of America’s war on terrorism, and the readers of this newspaper to come and participate in this ceremony.
