The Alternative Press

WESTFIELD, NJ--On September 11, a memorial ceremony for the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks was held in Westfield at the memorial site in downtown. At the ceremony, Mayor Andy Skibitsky read the names of the 12 Westfield residents who lost their lives in the attacks. Nearly 200 people attended.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Skibitsky explained that the importance of the commemoration is to honor the victims, to recognize those who have suffered and to offer support.

“We know that the passage of time does not diminish tragedy our nation suffered 11 years ago, and so it is imperative that we commemorate this day to honor the lives of victims, to recognize the unimaginable pain suffered by the loved ones and offer our continued support and pay tribute to the remarkable fortitude of the victims’ families as if they have had to navigate their [past] since then without their loved ones’ physical presence here on this Earth,” said Skibitsky. “They are, in no doubt, with them in loving memory and in spirit.”

Skibitsky continued the ceremony by honoring tthe heroes of that day and those who fought and who are still fighting for the United States.

“The bravery of the first responders who rushed into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon, and the passengers on Flight 93 who thwarted the terrorists’ plans must never be forgotten, nor can the efforts and sacrifices of our brave service men and women who continue to fend our country be forgotten,” said Skibitsky.

Skibitsky also said that “life and love must go on,” that “we must never forget those who perished. Their lives that were so cruelly cut short have reaffirmed to the rest of us that life is both fragile and precious,” and that “we must always remember to appreciate our everyday blessings.”

Following Skibitsky, Rev. Michael A. Saporito of St. Helen’s Church recited prayers of commemoration.

“You who can turn the shadow of night into the bright promise of a new day…to shape a world marked by ways of life that lead to justice and peace for all people,” said Saporito. “We pray at last that you will cultivate such love in us that we may reach out in compassion to all of those who are still wounded by the events of that day and in seeking to heal others. May we experience love that makes us whole.”

The ceremonial wreath was presented in front of the memorial monument before concluding the ceremony with a silent reflection and community prayers.