Bergen County Plans 2 Days Of Sept. 11 Remembrance Events

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Bergen County will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with two days of events at Overpeck County Park in Leonia, officials said Tuesday.

The events include a special vigil on Thursday, and the county's annual ceremony on Friday. The Friday ceremony will include live music and first responders sharing experiences.

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco and the Bergen County Board of Commissioners have invited the public to both events.

The special 25th anniversary memorial vigil is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Amphitheater at Overpeck County Park in the Ridgefield Park area.

The evening will feature musical performances by the New Jersey Wind Symphony and American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis, who will sing the National Anthem and "Amazing Grace."

The program will also include a procession of first responders, an honor guard, interfaith prayers from religious leaders, and first-hand testimonials about the events and lasting impact of Sept. 11.

Former Fort Lee Fire Chief Mike DeGidio and former Port Authority Police Officer Michael Gardner are among those expected to share their experiences.

A Girl Scout will offer a commemorative poem.

The vigil will end with a candle lighting ceremony and a moment of silence.

Friday's annual Memorial Ceremony is set for 3:30 p.m. at the Bergen County 9/11 Monument in Overpeck County Park's Henry Hoebel Area.

The annual event is a chance to gather at the county's permanent memorial to remember residents who were lost, and reflect on the attacks' lasting impact on families and communities, officials said.

According to county officials, at least 147 Bergen County residents were lost in the Sept. 11 attacks, which took a total of 2,977 lives.

Many others are still grieving loved ones, or feeling the health effects of working or volunteering at Ground Zero during and after the tragic day.

The Bergen County 9/11 Monument, where the Friday ceremony will t place, is located near Fort Lee Road in Leonia.

More information is here.