MARGATE – Dozens of residents attended the Margate Fire Department’s annual 911 remembrance ceremony Wednesday morning. The theme of the event was one that has been repeated at ceremonies held over the last 23 years.
Fire Chief Dan Adams urged members of the community to “Never Forget” what happened Sept. 11, 2001 when firefighters and police officers went into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center not knowing if they would ever come out. Three hundred and forty-three NYC firefighters died in the carnage inflicted by terrorists.
Adams noted that when former Fire Chief Anthony Tabasso was charged with repairing the flooded Firehouse No. 1 after Hurricane Sandy, he memorialized the day and the firefighters by installing two medallions at the top of the brick building that include the numbers, 911 and 343.
In addition to firefighters and police officers who rushed into danger, Adams commended civilians who saved thousands of people that day.
Rabbi Jonathan Kremer of Shirat Hayam urged those gathered to have faith and remain dedicated to democracy. To encourage them to be resolute, resilient and penitent, he sounded the shofar, a hollowed-out rams horn traditionally sounded during Elul, the month preceding the Jewish High Holy Days.
Members of the fire and police departments took turns reading the events of 911 in chronological order.
Mayor Michael Collins honored the bravery and resilience displayed on 911 and encouraged residents to stand united as a community and country. He said that in the face of unspeakable tragedy, ordinary people displayed extraordinary courage, which “defines our country.”
He encouraged everyone to never forget those who perished, the first responders who saved thousands of others, and the families who still experience grief but have the strength to carry on. He said 23 years later, Americans must stand together and teach their children about the power of sacrifice, service, and the enduring power of hope.
“Love is stronger than hate,” he said. “And hope can raise us up. Let’s work together to build a world where peace prevails, and compassion guides us.”
Commissioner Maury Blumberg thanked all the first responder heroes who “protect us each and every day of our lives.”
“There is no place in this world for hate and prejudice,” he said, asking those present to embrace their families and pray for peace. “911, let us not forget that love is much stronger than hate.”
Assemblywoman Claire Swift, who lives in Margate, remembered three individuals from South Jersey who died that day – Brigantine resident Patricia Cody; counter-terrorism expert John Patrick O’Neill, who died trying to help others; and United Flight 175 airline pilot Victor Saracini whose plane crashed into the South Tower, killing all those on board.
“Their names are inscribed on the 911 memorial in New York City,” she said.
Residents and eighth graders from the Eugene A. Tighe Middle School gathered Sept. 11, 2024 in front of Firehouse No. 1 to Never Forget those who perished in the attacks on America.During her remarks, the alarm bell sounded requesting emergency medical services for a man who was found unconscious on a sidewalk.
Eighth graders from Eugene A. Tighe Middle School rode to the firehouse on their bicycles to participate in the event and preschoolers from Playgroups Plus quietly sat on the curb around the garden listening intently to a bagpiper.
Swift encouraged them to learn all they can about that fateful day and continue the commemoration long after the adults present are gone.
Eighth grader Michael Shapiro said he thought the words spoken by the adults during the ceremony were profound.
“I especially enjoyed the national anthem sung by seventh grader Audrey Silverstein,” he said. “They told us to never forget and when we get older, to carry on this tradition. I know how security was back then because my dad is a police officer in Atlantic City, my cousin Joe Costa is a firefighter, and I’m friends with Firefighter Natalie Carlucci.”
As Audrey sang the words to the Francis Scott Key anthem, a seagull perched at the top of the firehouse and loudly sang along, and a tiny Carolina wren chirped and hopped around the feet of numerous spectators in the crowd.
Michael said he feels concern for his dad, a 20-year veteran of the police force, but he is also confident he will come home because “he knows what he’s doing. He says there’s a lot of bad stuff going on and that police don’t get the respect they deserve.”
City employee Sue Marino, who works with senior citizens at the Bloom Pavilion, said it was great to see a large crowd come out to the event to remember what happened on 911.
“So many people lost their lives, and we need to appreciate all the police and firefighters who work to protect us every day,” she said.
Marc Stein, who is enjoying his retirement years in Margate, said he was in his dental office when he heard a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center.
“At first, I thought it might be a small plane, and then I soon realized the nation was under attack,” he said. “Today, we appreciate all the men and women who protect us every day. I feel solace for the people who died that day and for their families. We will never forget them.”
Copyright Access Network 2024
