Special Ceremonies Commemorate Twentieth Anniversary Of 9/11 Terror Attacks
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
September 11, 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa. Pennsauken will commemorate this solemn occasion with two special events.
“For those who remember that day 20 years ago, they will never forget those terrible events,” said Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista. “Since then, our community has come together every September to honor those who lost their lives during the attack, as well as to recognize those courageous first responders who keep us safe on a daily basis.”
Pennsauken’s Annual Flag Placement
Each year, almost 3,000 American flags are placed throughout Pennsauken’s 9/11 Memorial, located at the corner of Merchantville Ave. and Rt. 130, across the street from the Township’s Municipal Building and the Pennsauken Free Public Library.
Volunteers are needed to help distribute the flags on Friday, Sept. 10 at 11:45 p.m. and remove them on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 11:45 p.m. Those wishing to participate on either day are asked to arrive by 11:40 p.m.
Pennsauken’s monument was first dedicated on September 11, 2003, as a tribute to the heroes of 9/11 and the dedicated direct responders — police, fire and EMS — who serve every day to protect residents and businesses in the communities where they live. In remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a steel beam from the World Trade Center North Tower was dedicated as a permanent part of the memorial.
Day Of Remembrance
As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks, Pennsauken will be holding a special “Day of Remembrance” ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 11 at the town’s 9/11 Memorial. Held at 9:11 a.m., the ceremony will include remarks from first responders and public officials; a patriotic performance from Pennsauken High School’s Apache Marching Band; the posting of the colors by the Air Force JROTC; and more. Camden County residents, and in particular those from Pennsauken, who have been directly impacted by the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, are invited to attend. Those wishing additional details on this aspect of the ceremony can email pnews@twp.pennsuaken.nj.us.
“We have an obligation to make sure that the next generation understands why we solemnly come together as a community this time each year,” said Mayor DiBattista. “We must make sure that we never, ever forget.”
