Warren County marks Patriot Day with ceremony at Warren County Emergency Services and 9/11 Memorial
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP (Warren County) – Warren County commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, by gathering for the Warren County Emergency Services and 9/11 Memorial Committee’s annual Patriot Day Ceremony.
Warren County Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla was the keynote speaker for the 19th annual Patriot Day Ceremony, which also marked the 11th Anniversary of the Warren County Emergency Services and 9/11 Memorial, where the observance was held. Deputy Director Commissioner James R. Kern III and Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski also participated, along with state and local officials from throughout Warren County.
In her address, Ciesla expressed her gratitude to Warren County Fire Marshal Joseph Lake and his team for their dedicated efforts in arranging the poignant ceremony. She also thanked the first responders in attendance, emphasizing the bravery and dedication that is required to perform the services our first responders provide.
“September 11 was one of the longest days in the history of our nation. We were stunned and shocked. But we were not subdued. Because we are America. Land of the free, because of the brave,” Ciesla said.
“We can never forget. We must always honor the lives we lost and remember why we lost them. On 9/11, we realized many hated us because of our greatness, because of our freedoms, and because of our unwavering devotion to those freedoms. They hated us because of the red, white and blue we love. Because of the stars and stripes on our flag. But our freedoms will never be subdued nor surrendered. We are a beacon of hope in the world, even today. This memorial reminds us of all of that,” Ciesla said.
Ciesla concluded by highlighting the significance of the memorial, saying, “This memorial here in our little northwest corner of New Jersey is not only to honor those whom we lost, but to also help us cope with our grief, to be a beacon of hope for the future, and to allow us to never forget.”
The county ceremony included a remembrance of the Warren County residents who died that day:
- Deepa K. Pakkala, Greenwich Township – North Tower
- Bruce A. Reynolds, Knowlton Township (Port Authority Patrolman and Knowlton Firefighter) – South Tower
- Bruce E. Simmons, Hackettstown – South Tower
- Robert C. Miller Jr., Belvidere – South Tower
The ceremony honored all who perished in the terrorist attacks on September 11 as well as Warren County Emergency Service personnel who have died in the line of duty. Firefighters, police, and other first responders from throughout the county participated in the ceremony.
The Emergency Services and 9/11 Memorial is located at 1500 State Highway 57, Washington, NJ, between the Warren County Technical School and the Warren County Community College and on the access road to the county Public Safety building. It is accessible for public visitation.
