World Trade Center DNA team leader to speak at Hunterdon County’s 25th anniversary Sept. 11 ceremony
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Hunterdon County officials are inviting residents to attend the county’s annual Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony as the community commemorates the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
The ceremony will be held at the new Hunterdon County 9/11 Memorial at Hilltop Reserve in Raritan Township, marking the first official remembrance event at the memorial. The event will honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, including 15 Hunterdon County residents who died that day, while recognizing the sacrifices of first responders, recovery workers and military personnel.
“As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, it is more important than ever that we gather as a community to remember those we lost and honor the heroes who responded with extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable tragedy,” said Sheriff Fred W. Brown. “This new memorial will serve as a lasting reminder of the lives taken, the sacrifices made, and the resilience that emerged in the aftermath of that day. It is our responsibility to ensure that future generations understand the significance of September 11 and never forget those who were affected.”
The ceremony will feature guest speaker Mark Desire, assistant director of the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner and manager of the World Trade Center DNA Identification Team.
A longtime Hunterdon County resident and former mayor of High Bridge, Desire was dispatched to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, with colleagues from the Office of Chief Medical Examiner after the first tower was struck. Before they arrived, United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. Desire survived the attacks and returned to work the following day, beginning what became a decades-long effort to help identify victims and provide answers to families.
Today, Desire oversees the World Trade Center DNA Identification Team and continues work related to victim identification and forensic investigations. During his career, he has participated in mass-fatality investigations and humanitarian missions around the world, working with organizations including the United Nations, the U.S. military and Homeland Security. His work has been featured by media outlets including Netflix, HBO, CNN, National Geographic, 60 Minutes and Time magazine.
“We are honored to welcome Mark Desire as our guest speaker,” Sheriff Brown added. “Mark’s personal experience on September 11, his decades of work helping families find answers, and his deep roots in Hunterdon County make him uniquely qualified to help us reflect on the lasting impact of that day. As we mark the 25th anniversary, his story reminds us not only of the tragedy we endured, but also of the dedication, service, and perseverance that emerged in its aftermath.”
The ceremony also will include tributes to Sept. 11 victims, recognition of first responders and recovery workers, and reflections on the unity and patriotism that followed the attacks.
County officials said the memorial was created to provide a permanent place for residents and visitors to reflect on the events of Sept. 11, honor those who were lost and recognize the sacrifices made in the aftermath of the attacks.
Officials are encouraging residents, veterans, first responders, civic organizations, students and family members of victims to attend.
Additional details, including parking information, will be announced closer to the event.
