Glen Rock reflects after 23 years

23 years ago, on September 11, 2001, the worst tragedy happened in the United States. Two planes crashed into the World Trade Center Towers (Twin Towers). Our country lost 2,977 people in those crashes.
That night our town came together to help the residents that came home that evening and those who lost a family member. Their actions included bringing water and food to the 2 train stations for those coming home. 

After that day, several residents came together to make an organization to assist family members of those who died in the terrorist attacks. This organization, G.R.A.C.E. (Glen Rock Assistance Council and Endowment), designed a memorial to honor those lost; this memorial is located in Veterans’ Park. There is also a small memorial for those lost on PanAm flight 1033, the Buser family. 

Those lost in the 9/11 attacks.

Paul Andrew Acquaviva
Grace Alegre-Cua
Sean Caton
Anthony Dionisio, Jr.
Brendan Dolan
Timothy J. Finnerty
Joseph Francis Holland III
Damian Meehan
David Robert Meyer
Richard Morgan
Daniel M. Van Laere

Since 2002, they have hosted a memorial service at 6:30 pm in veterans park at the 9/11 memorial. This memorial is very symbolic of the day and the twin towers. 

Glen Rock High School Art teacher and department head Ms. Debbie Cella designed the memorial to honor the twin towers and the day’s tragedy. Some of these features include: 

• The two towers of the stone stand 110 inches tall, and the radius of the circle made by the floor are 110 inches, both to remind us of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center buildings. 
• The four rectangular granite blocks stand aligned with the four compass points to inspire us to never lose our way, even in dark times.
• The eleven names etched in the memorial’s stone remind us of those who did not return that day. 

Very few towns were able to get a piece of the Twin Towers. Glen Rock was fortunate because a resident, George McFall Jr, wrote a letter on behalf of GRACE to Mayor Bloomberg asking for a piece of the WTC for our memorial. Bloomberg granted the request because of our high per-capital loss. 

Mayor Kristine Morieko reflected and thanked the modest people that help bring this amazing ceremony together.

• “Thank you to GRACE:  Jon Cole, Diane Herschberg, Pam Wollack, Carol Knapp, Joanne Perry, Lenora Benjamin and the late Brad Jordan who not only had the foresight to build this memorial, but found compassionate ways to improve it, making it all the more meaningful.  You will never see a press release of Jon Cole power washing the stone, or of Walter Perry delivering flowers.  They are so modest in their generosity, they are so generous in their care. Thank you so very much.”

Mayor Morieko looked at the challenge of remembrance and education especially with the younger generation. “I worry that this detachment from the event may lead to a diminished understanding of its significance.” Mayor Morieko feels that the steps to help demish the detachment are as follows.

• Firstly, we must convey the human stories behind the events. I often speak about David Meyer, father of my classmate Heidi, who worked in the World Trade Center.  Or, Sean Caton, the shore house roommate of my brother – who I had the pleasure to meet his sister last year after this ceremony.  By sharing the stories about the lives of the victims—the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of survivors—we transform abstract numbers and dates into real people and experiences, making the impact more tangible.  More palpable.
• Secondly, we need to discuss the broader implications of September 11th. This includes the global response, changes in security protocols, and political and social shifts that followed. Understanding these dimensions helps young people appreciate how one day can alter the course of history.
• Thirdly, we must emphasize the lessons of unity and compassion that emerged from this tragedy. September 11th was a day of unimaginable sorrow, yet it also revealed the very best in humanity. Communities came together and people from all walks of life extended their hands to help one another. Teaching these values encourages the younger generation to embody empathy and solidarity in their own lives.
• Lastly, we should inspire young people to reflect on their role in preserving the legacy of September 11th. Whether through educational programs, community service projects, or simply sharing stories with friends and family, everyone has a part to play in keeping the memory of that day alive and ensuring its lessons endure.

This year’s ceremony included music by the GRHS choir led by Music Teacher Carl Helder. 

G.R.A.C.E trustees:
Diane Hirschberg, Pam Wollack, Joanne Perry, Carol Knapp, Lenora Benjamin, and Jon Cole. 

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