Edgewater — As relatives and friends of Sept. 11 victims laid flowers and wreaths at the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York, across the river, a small group of fire, police and emergency officials joined local residents and borough officials at Veteran’s Field in Edgewater.
They paid homage and said prayers for those who lost their lives on that unsuspecting day seven years ago.
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staff photos by roy caratozzolo iii
Deacon Mike Lydon from the Church of the Holy Rosary R.C. gives the benediction at the borough’s Sept. 11 ceremony.
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Mayor Nancy Merse opened the ceremony in front of a Sept. 11 plaque that stands at the foot of a monument of the twin towers.
"Life changed for every American on that day," said Merse. "Whether you were at work, school or home watching it on television, you’ll never forget the horror. But we’ll also never forget the heroism of those who helped save lives. On that day, we were all one."
After a prayer by Reverend Wanda Lundy from the First Presbyterian Church, a wreath was placed at the memorial site and Deacon Michael Lydon from the Church of the Holy Rosary R.C. performed the benediction and shared his thoughts.
"Sometimes we take the gifts of freedom for granted," said Lydon. "May we never forget these gifts and pass them down to the next generations."
After the ceremony, Merse described that fatal day.
"My daughter called me and told me a plane had went into the towers. Everyone was shocked," Merse said. "We lost residents, businesses were impacted, and it happened so close to our backyard."
Edgewater resident Deborah Kobus had just started working for Chuo Mitsui Trust and Banking Company in the WTC a month before Sept. 11. She was engaged the Sunday before the tragic event. She was 36 years old.
"I thought my niece [Kobus] was still working in Brooklyn," said Barbara Foster. "My sister told me she was in one of the towers later that evening. It doesn’t get easier seven years later."
Other victims from Edgewater include Robert Levine, Ann Ransom, and Jayesh Shah.
Lundy was eight months pregnant when the tragedy occurred.
"I thought to myself, ‘How do I bring a child into a world like this?’" Lundy said. "We opened the church that day for anyone who needed a place of solace."
Lundy said that although the Borough is very political, on Sept. 11, everyone had put aside their differences. But over the last seven years she’s noticed the turnout for Sept. 11 commemorations get smaller and that people have gotten back into their routines. She shared an idea that she thought could help make bring the world closer to peace.
"Leaders of the world should lay down their weapons for one day," Lundy said. "No war. No fighting. That would be awesome. See if it works."
E-mail: almenasm@northjersey.com
