For thirteen years Americans have mourned and paid tribute to the tragic and senseless loss of lives that happened on our soil in the bright, cloudless skies on September 11, 2001. We've heard countless stories emerge about family and friends who perished that day. Every year we exchange details about where we were when we first learned of the shocking news that, at first, seemed like a piece of science fiction.
The Morris County 9/11 Living Memorial: Plaques with the 64 Morris County residents and the names of all the victims are displayed at the site.
Last night our community gathered for a candlelight vigil and service to pay tribute to the 64 victims we lost from Morris County, New Jersey on September 11. Held before the county's 9/11 Living Memorial built from 3 steel sections from The World Trade Center, pieces of United Flight #93 and surrounded by soil from The Pentagon,we joined together in solidarity as American citizens, and as residents of New Jersey mourning those we lost.
The 9/11 Living Memorial: This memorial is comprised of three steel sections from the World Trade Center, pieces of United Flight #93, and soil from the Pentagon. The concrete blocks at the base of the steel represent the foundations of our lives: family, relationships and community.
On the morning of September 11, 2001 I pulled my son out of school because forty miles away our beloved Manhattan was under attack. Like many other moms standing in line, we wanted our children with us because we simply didn't know what, if anything, might happen next.
Sitting at last night's candlelight vigil with my adult son sitting beside me, these thoughts came flooding back. Our world, and his, were forever changed.
Bless You, America: The flag against the beauty of the night sky
With September 11 looming and the heinous and violent acts occurring around the world, we are reminded of the fragility of life, the importance of kindness, tolerance and compassion, and the responsibility we have to help one another as best as we can.
A lone bagpipe played while local police and EMS workers marched past us to begin the ceremony
My wish for you and your loved ones is for a world where peaceful coexistence is not only possible but is the norm, where goodness overcomes evil, and that all of our lives are blessed with joy and good health.
Thank you, Cathy - best to you and yours, too.
Well said!
I was in that exact same line, in a different school, in a different state, in a different section of the country but I am sure I was having the exact same feelings you were at the time! Such a great post Cathy!
I work with traumatized people on a daily basis. What occurred on 9/11 was a trauma for all of us and a reminder that it is not a safe world. This truth has been emphasized when watching recent news. It is important that we never forget and the ceremony you talk about is a testament to this.
September 11 is always such a sobering reminder of what we lost as a country and as human beings. I hope the world learns from its terrible, tragic actions.
As always Cathy, your words are soothing and as peaceful as they are powerful. Thank you.
It is so tough when what we believed unthinkable happens...sobering, humbling,sickening, maddening, and baffling all at the same time. Makes us shake our heads and wonder where is the "goodness"....
I love and work to share your message of peace, co-existence, and understanding.
I remember going to my daughter's school, though I didn't take her out. I brought food for the teachers so they could stay in the teacher's room and watch the news...and then I went to three different churches that day. And then we waited to hear from our friends in NY...Yes, I remember.
Amen!!!!
Thank you. There are just some days you will never, ever forget, nor should we. xo
That was such a horrible time. And how those who suffered loss are still suffering. This memorial is a beautiful reminder that they are not forgotten.
The world needs as much prayer as it can get. It really does. But then,I don't need to tell YOU that, you know firsthand. xox
It's tributes by communities such as yours, writers such as you that continue the healing while holding close the families of those lost. We continue to remember, hurt and heal. Thank you for this.
Amen, Cathy. I know that for the rest of my life September 11 will be a day of mourning and reflection. I knew someone working at Cantor Fitzgerald who perished that day.
We can build a peaceful world. We just have to... never give up. Peace be with you.
There will be peace one day, in the mean time if the only person I ever knew was you, I would think that time had already come. There are an amazing amount of good, kind people. I will never understand evil, but I am not supposed to. However I do understand kindness, and loving people.
I am crying as I read this. Thank you for the moving pictures and inspiring words. This day, Sept. 11, is forever etched in my mind and heart.
I too, was crying reading this. I pray daily that one day we will see peace on earth.
May the world never forget and never repeat this horrible tragedy. Prayers and thoughts to all who were affected by that surreal day - hard to believe - thirteen years ago.
You will ever forget that day? So so sad, so many years later. And I suspect it will always be.