Somerset County Government: Somerset County Marks The 20th Anniversary Of September 11

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

09/11/2021 12:57 PM

SOMERVILLE – The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners held a ceremony on the Historic Courthouse Green in Somerville to honor the 20th anniversary of September 11.

"Twenty years ago, our nation was rocked by the terror attacks on New York City, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania," said Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. "We came together as a country that terrible day. Let us remember the spirit of unity that Americans felt after September 11, when we put aside our differences for a time to console and comfort, to rally and rebuild, to stand up and strengthen.

“We can continue to honor those we lost by performing small acts of service in their memory. Even the smallest act of kindness can help us reclaim the spirit of unity we felt after 9/11.”

To commemorate the occasion, the American flag was on display in front of the historic courthouse and on Somerville Fire Department fire engines lined up alongside the Memorial Clock Tower. Other symbols of the 20th anniversary included the Somerville Rescue Squad ambulance that worked at ground zero for several days after the attacks, and seven signature boards signed by residents in 2002 at the first Somerset County 9/11 ceremony. In addition, two new signature boards were added in honor of the 20th anniversary that are available for people to sign.

Leading the Pledge of Allegiance was Former Chief Keith Silverman of Somerset Fire & Rescue Station 56 in Franklin Township. Silverman is also an instructor at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy. Also participating in the ceremony was the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and Somerset County Police Pipes & Drums, which performed “Amazing Grace” and the Armed Forces medley.

The Board of Commissioners took turns reading the names of the 39 Somerset County residents killed in the attacks. Afterwards, the Sheriff’s Honor Guard led the procession to the Memorial Clock Tower where Director Robinson and Deputy Director Sara Sooy placed a wreath at the base of the steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center.

The program was live-streamed to the county’s Facebook page and can be viewed at www.Facebook.com/somersetcountynj.

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.