Warren 9/11 Memorial Dedicated as 'Promise to Never Forget'

On a clear cool morning reminiscent of Sept. 11, 2001, Warren Township dedicated its memorial honoring the first responders who died that day—as well as all of those killed in the terrorist attacks, according to former Fire Chief Tim McGowan.

McGowan provided the impetus for the township's project at the municipal complex more than three years ago, launching a project that was possible thanks to donations from residents and area businesses. Despite having earlier planned dedications postponed by bad weather, Monday's Memorial Day dedication went off without a hitch.

The event included speakers who noted the double meaning of the dedication on Memorial Day, as well as the need to honor the day's fatalities by remembering the events of that day.

"This day and this memorial—consisting of two large stones—is very Biblical," Stonecrest Community Church Pastor Brent Haggerty said in his invocation. "I pray to God this stone, held together with another stone by a piece of steel, will tell our children the truth, the whole truth, and that we will tell them there is a face to evil."

He also noted the weather on Sept. 11, 2001, was as clear and warm as on Monday, adding another connection between the days for the dedication.

Also addressing the crowd was Chief of Police Russell Leffert, who said he remembered the day of the attacks clearly, as many in the audience clearly did also.

"I, like many of you, vowed that I will never forget the lives lost that day," he said. "This steel, this memorial, is our promise to never forget."

Taking a personal turn on the day, Rescue Squad Chief Paul Rapp said he had only recently learned about a cousin who died in World War II, during the infamous Battle of the Bulge, giving him added pause for reflection on Memorial Day.  

"As I look at this memorial, I am awed at its fabulous design and truly want to sit down and contemplate the meaning of the day," Rapp said.

And Rabbi Randi Musnitski offered a thought for the future in her benediction, closing the event.

"We have paused on this day of memorial to honor the sons and daughters who gave their lives," she said. "Some died on battlefields; some lost their lives in the destruction and mayhem brought on by terrorists.

"On this Memorial Day, may all of us be inspired and remember the battle is not over," Musnitski said.

Also attending the event were former Gov. Donald DiFrancesco, who was in office on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as state Sen. Tom Kean Jr., Somerset County Freeholders Peter Palmer and Patricia Walsh, and members of the Township Committee —including Carolann Garafola and Gary DiNardo, who hosted the event.