At Brick's 9/11 Service, Prayers For Unity And Peace

BRICK, NJ — As the Brick Township paused Friday to remember the victims and the events of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, there were solemn reminders of the challenges facing the country now.

Clergy members who spoke at the services that marked the 19th anniversary of the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 offered prayers for peace, and urged those in attendance to remember and honor the unity that came after the attacks, when people reached out to help others.

Mayor John G. Ducey urged those in attendance to "think back to how we came together," while also remembering the sacrifices of the first responders who answered the call and gave their lives trying to rescue people from the World Trade Center.

Rev. Alan Darby of St. Paul's Lutheran Church offered a prayer touching on the strife facing the country now, and hearkening back to that unity.

"Break down all the prejudices that break grace. Fill us with a united heart and spirit," he said. "In the midst of all the anger and unrest, You (God) can bring peace. Fill our hearts with your peace."

The candlelight ceremony, at the Angel in Anguish monument at Windward Beach Park, included the reading of the names of those who died in the attacks, and the placing of battery-powered candles to honor those lost.

Eight names are inscribed on the monument: John Badagliacca; Brett T. Bailey; Robert P. Devitt Jr.; Michael D. Diehl; Jon A. Perconti; Jim Sands Jr.; Thomas Sgroi, and Christopher M. Traina.

Two additional names are read, added in 2017: Robert Correa, a firefighter from Ladder 74 in Staten Island, whose family now lives in Brick, and Martha Stevens, who had been a summer resident of the township for many years.

"Nineteen years later, we are still filled with heavy hearts," Police Chaplain Douglas Chase said. He offered a prayer that those in authority would have compassion, and "use their authority for the common good."

"May God grant us peace and love," said Rev. Santiago Norori of the First Baptist Church of Laurelton.

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