Permanent 9/11 Memorial To Be Dedicated In Princeton On Saturday

PRINCETON, NJ — Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In the two decades since the attacks by al-Qaida, numerous memorials have been erected across the country to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. And now, Princeton is set to have a permanent 9/11 memorial in the township.

The Princeton 9/11 Memorial Committee will dedicate a permanent memorial at 12 p.m. Saturday in front of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad (PFARS ) building at 2 Mt. Lucas Road. The memorial contains an eight-foot piece of steel from the World Trade Center.

“There are people from Princeton that died on 9/11. You want to remember them,” Mayor Mark Freda told Patch. “But you know, it's a critically important event in the history of our country. It changed things.”

The idea for a permanent memorial was spearheaded by Freda, who is also President of PFARS.

On March 24, 2012, former Princeton Fire Department Chief Roy James was able to obtain a piece of steel from the World Trade Center site.

The 745 pounds steel beam arrived in Princeton with a solemn escort of State and local Police, Fire, EMS, and Public Works vehicles. Many motorcycle groups also made the journey from New York City to Princeton.

At the time, James felt that Princeton would be a fitting place for such a memorial given its proximity to New York City and the number of people in the community whose lives were impacted by the attacks.

By creating a local space where the steel beam could be displayed, the 9/11 committee hoped that the memorial would help future generations remember the significance of that day and provide comfort to those who lost loved ones.

The Chestnut Street firehouse was selected as a temporary memorial site, draping the steel beam with an American flag and lighting the display 24 hours a day.

In 2019, Freda approached the custodians and inquired if there would be interest for the steel beam to be used for a permanent memorial on the grounds of PFAR’s new headquarters.

“I knew the steel beam was still sitting there waiting to find a real home. And the first aid squad being host for the memorial was kind of a natural thing to consider,” Freda said.

During construction, many contractors working on the squad’s facilities, along with other local contractors, donated services or funds to make the memorial a reality.

“Some things were donated, but other things we had to pay for. So, it was almost a three-year process to get it completed. We literally just finished it last week,” Freda said.

During the memorial dedication ceremony, the names of the Princeton community members who were lost will be read and first responders will be honored.

“I hope people can join us on Saturday. And if they don't have the time, maybe they will take a couple of minutes and just reflect on the day,” Freda said.

The 20th anniversary of 9/11 also comes amid the backdrop of the United States withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and ending the longest war in US history.

“You can't forget the past. We always have to recognize and keep that in mind. Circumstances are going to change, but how we deal with that is important. Going forward, we need to try to be understanding of everyone in an open and fair manner and do the best we can,” Freda said.

Princeton's 9/11 Memorial Committee is still accepting donations. Donations may be sent c/o PACF, 15 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.

Here are other 9/11 memorial events happening around Mercer County:

• New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: 8 a.m., 101 Eggert's Crossing Road, Lawrence Township.
• Lawrence Township 9/11 Memorial Ceremony: 8:30 a.m., Memorial Park, Pilla Avenue, Lawrence Township.
• Robbinsville Professional Firefighters Association 20th Annual Ceremony: 9:45 a.m., 9/11 Memorial Site, Lake Drive.
• Hamilton Township 9/11 20th Anniversary Ceremony: 10 a.m., Memorial Grove, Veterans Park, Klockner Road Entrance, Hamilton.
• East Windsor Township 9/11 Program & Wreath Laying Ceremony: 10 a.m., East Windsor Municipal Building, Lanning Blvd.
• Ewing Township 9/11 20th Anniversary Ceremony: 10:30 a.m., Ewing Township Municipal Complex, 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing.
• Hopewell Valley 9/11 Memorial Ceremony: 11 a.m., Woolsey Park, presented by the Sept. 11th & Emergency Services Memorial Committee.
• West Windsor Township 9/11 20th Anniversary Ceremony: 7 p.m., Twin Ponds Memorial at the Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum, the intersection of Clarksville and Princeton-Hightstown Road.

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

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