Media Gallery: Residents Hold Memorial Ceremony in Honor of 9/11 Victims

 On Sept. 12, the Sunday after the anniversary of the World Trade Center terrorist attack, the township held a remembrance ceremony at First Presbyterian Church for six residents who lost their lives.

The ceremony was an inter-religious affair. Those helping to conduct the ceremony included Rev. Edgardo Jocson of St. Michael's Church, also the president of the Cranford Clergy Council – Rabbi Benjamin Goldstein of Temple Beth El Mekor Chayim recited the closing prayer in Hebrew. Trinity Episcopal Church Rector Rev. Gina Walsh-Minor led the opening prayer.  

Family members lit candles in remembrance of their loved ones at the altar. Both Dylan and Kayla Grady, children of victim Christopher M. Grady, read poetry during the service. Mayor Mark Smith also spoke, reflecting on Patriot Day, the anniversary of the terrorist attack, and the U.S. response to the attack. Listen to an excerpt at right. 

At the end of the service, most members of the congregation carried candles with them in a procession down to the 9/11 memorial site across the street where a wreath was laid to commemorate the ceremony. 

Victims from Cranford honored at the ceremony:  Dean P. Eberling, Christopher M. Grady, Robert H. Lynch Jr., Gregory Malianowycz, Thomas M. Regan, Leonard J. Snyder Jr.