Hundred gather for 9/11 memorial

By Roman J. Uschak, Staff Writer

It was under solemn, overcast skies that Belleville Township hosted its annual Sept. 11 remembrance Sunday afternoon. More than two hundred residents attended the ceremony at 9-11 Memorial Park at Chestnut Street and Franklin Avenue to recall the tenth anniversary of the tragedy.

The master of ceremonies was Brian Haggerty; the “Star-Spangled Banner” was sung by the Chorus of Communities; and the invocation was delivered by Rev. Ivan Sciberras of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church.

“This day our thoughts turn to Sept. 11, 2001, when so many souls were lost,” said Sciberras. “I join you in commending the thousands of victims and their memories to God.”Haggerty introduced some of the dignitaries in attendance.

They included Deputy Mayor Steven Rovell and Belleville Township  Council members Marie Strumolo Burke, Vincent Cozzarelli, John Notari and Kevin Kennedy. Also  on the dais was Board of Education President Peter Zangari Jr., vice president Patricia Inaugurato and trustees Joseph Longo, William Freda and John Rivera. State PBA President Anthony Wieners and Assemblyman Ralph Caputo were also present.Remarks were delivered by Belleville Mayor Ray Kimble.

“Ten years ago, the United States was attacked by terrorism,” said Kimble. “They attempted to break the will of the American people, yet today we are still witnessing the strength and bravery of our military.”He said the ceremony honored the memories of those lost on Sept. 11, and also those Belleville policemen and firefighters who did not hesitate to help at the World Trade Center site.“We must never forget 9/11, and must remain vigilant so that it never happens again,” said Kimble. “

The price of freedom is not cheap.”Michael DeRosa read a timeline of Sept. 11 events in memory of his aunt, Antoinette Duger, one of the three Belleville residents who was lost on that day along with Harry Ramos and Harvey J. Gardener III.The names of Belleville police officers who helped in the cleanup at the site of the collapsed towers were read by Belleville Police Chief Joseph Rotonda; the names of their counterparts in the Fire Department were read by Belleville Fire Chief Robert Caruso.“One thing I remember is the thanks my officers received from the people of New York,” said Rotonda.

“I could sense that they would forever be changed,” said Caruso of his firefighters. “And now ten years have passed.”A prayer for the dead was then offered by Martin Dunkleman of  Temple Israel in neighboring Kearny before the Chorus of Communities rendered the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.

”The next reading was given by Col. Martin Zybura of the Army, who spoke of the sacrifices the American military made in the aftermath of Sept. 11 and is still making today in Afghanistan and Iraq by soldiers who were not even in their teens in 2001.

The flags the United States, the State of New Jersey and Belleville Township on the Pentagon-shaped 9-11 memorial were lowered to half-staff by Commander Joseph Fornarotto of the Disabled American Veterans, State Vice Commander Joseph Imperato of the American Legion, and Post Commander Joseph Longo of the West Hudson Marine Corps League as “Taps” was played by Sgt. Stefon Coleman of the Army.Remarks and a blessing were  bestowed by Rev. Yousef of the Saint Mary and Saint Mercurius Coptic Church, who helped people  escape the burning World Trade Center.“How beautiful and great it is to remember those great people,” said Yousef, who lost one of his best friends that day.

“God Bless America” was sung by the Chorus of Communities before those in attendance were permitted to lay flowers at the memorial’s three flagpoles in honor of Belleville’s lost trio.“On behalf of the township, the first responders, and the families, thank you for joining us today,” concluded Haggerty.Roman J. Uschak can be reached at 908-686-7700,             ext. 125, or bellevillepost@thelocalsource.com.