Photos As Union Beach Puts Up First-Ever 9/11 Skytracker Lights

UNION BEACH, NJ — For the first time ever, twin beams of light shot into the night sky from tiny little Union Beach, to memorialize the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Similarly, Monmouth County paid to have two twin beams shine from the top of Mt. Mitchill, also for the first time ever. The county's lights at Mt. Mitchill will be up through the weekend, Sept. 13.

Both were likely decisions made in response to New York City deciding it would not shine the twin beams this year, due to COVID fears, but later reconsidering after a massive public backlash.

Hundreds young and old gathered in front of the Union Beach American Legion for the memorial service at 6:30 p.m. Friday; Freeholder Gerry Scharfenberger and Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso were in attendance. The UB American Legion has a clear view across Raritan Bay of Lower Manhattan to where the World Trade Center once stood.

Locals recall nineteen years ago today going to the stunning Union Beach waterfront — and watching the second tower fall to the ground.

The lights were sponsored jointly by the Union Beach Police Department, Union Beach Fire Department, Borough of Union Beach and the American Legion.

Related: Monmouth County Will Host Its Own Sept. 11 Tribute Lights