Warren Residents, Officials Pause on 9/11 to Remember, Honor

In a community with many businesspeople such as those killed in the World Trade Center terrorist attack on New York City, the memory of that fateful morning seemed for many to be still fresh 12 years later.

Standing by Warren Township's memorial to remember 9/11, officials spoke about where they were and what they were doing on Sept. 11, 2001. 

Residents remained quiet when asked if they wanted to add any recollections.

However, Dr. Paul Rapps, president of the Warren rescue squad spoke of how he and his wife do not celebrate their anniversary, Sept. 11, on that date anymore.

He noted that some "3,000 good people" — going to work and living their lives — had been killed on that day in 2001.

Earlier during the ceremony, Warren Mayor Vic Sordillo talked about how he had been in Canada, presenting a training session on international crime with a lieutenant with the Canadian mounted police. He described his ride home as "the longest drive I ever had in my life."

Working in the insurance business, Sordillo stated, "I lost many friends." 

In Warren, Township Committeewoman Carol Garafola said four families were affected by the deaths of their loved ones on 9/11 and nine children lost their parents.

Deputy Mayor Gary DiNardo said that 749 residents of New Jersey had been among the more than 3,000 victims of the terrorist attack which, he noted — and certainly those present must have remembered — had taken place on a bright sunny early fall day, just as Wednesday was.

"It's right to remember to pause and reflect," said Rev. Dave Hentschel of Mount Bethel Baptist Church. Residents should remember those also who sacrificed after the attack, Hentschel said.

In closing, he reminded those present, "Don't squander your days," and to serve their country.