Garden of Reflection Commemorates 25th 9/11 Anniversary

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — It stands as Pennsylvania's official 9/11 memorial.

Since its dedication in 2006, The Garden of Reflection has served as a place of remembrance, reflection, and healing for the community on every anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on America.

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Friday's ceremony had even more significance with the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

The Garden of Reflection honors the 2,977 victims, with special recognition of the 18 victims from Bucks County, including nine from Lower Makefield Township.

The memorial organization was founded by Ellen Saracini, whose husband, Captain Victor Saracini, was the pilot of United Airlines Flight 175.

The memorial was a joint project by the 9/11 families, the township, and the community.

"Twenty-five years later, the pain of that day remains, but so too does the strength, compassion, and resilience of the Bucks County and Lower Makefield Township communities," officials said.

Throughout the evening, community members and local leaders shared heartfelt reflections, personal experiences, and words of hope and strength.

As candles were lit throughout the Garden, the Twin Fountains were illuminated, "creating a powerful and beautiful moment of remembrance," officials said.

"In the stillness of the evening, surrounded by the names and memories of those we lost, we were reminded of the lives, families, and stories that must never fade from our hearts," township officials said.

On Sept. 11, 2001, 19 al-Qaida terrorists hijacked four airplanes, flying two into New York City's World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon.

Passengers fought back on the fourth, United Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The deadliest U.S. terror attack killed 2,977 victims.

"Twenty-five years later, we remember. We honor. We reflect. We stand together," officials said. "As we have for 25 years, and as we will for generations to come — we will never forget."

(Lower Makefield Township)