Last Thursday, at 6:30 p.m., the Hoboken community united together in Pier A to share its annual September 11 Interfaith Memorial Service to honor the individuals whom our nation, the United States, lost that day. All were invited to attend this memorial service, as its nature was to bring people of all differences and faiths together to remember September 11, 2001. Though 9/11 was 13 years ago, it can feel like ages to some individuals and feel like yesterday to those whom have lost someone that meant the whole world to them. As unreal as the day may seem to feel through the passage of time, there was no doubt that 9/11 marked a tragic loss for the entire nation.
The United States, as well as the people of Hoboken, have come a long way in thirteen years. 9/11 was an especially terrible day for the Hoboken community, since 57 Hoboken residents were lost as a result. This makes the Interfaith Memorial Service all the more important, since it directly reaches out to the individuals of Hoboken who have lost someone special to them – be it a friend, family member, or neighbor.
Mayor Dawn Zimmer was present throughout the service giving her support for all citizens of Hoboken.
Many surrounding towns in Hudson County, including Jersey City, have also hosted interfaith memorial services to honor and remember the lives lost due to 9/11. In addition to the memorial service, the 9/11 Memorial Plaza held a Tribute in Light from 6:00 p.m. to midnight on September 11, which caused lights to illuminate the Manhattan skyline just south of the memorial site.
Of course, observing and remembering the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks isn’t confined to one day of the year, but rather it is something all Americans, especially ones native to the area do not forget. For those who wish to go the extra mile, the 13th Annual Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk will be taking place on September 28. This 5K seeks to honor firefighter Stephen Siller, who gave his life to save others on 9/11, as well as other fallen heroes and the nation’s military and first responders – all of whom make great sacrifices in their line of duty.
In addition, the 9/11 Memorial Plaza grants visitors access to the 9/11 Memorial Museum, which showcases a list of all the victims of the 2001 and 1993 attacks, as well as an oral history collection from the 9/11 community. Also, 9/11 Walking Tours are hosted by the 9/11 Tribute Center throughout the year; by guides who have been directly involved during 9/11 themselves, including survivors and rescue and recovery workers.
As we all look back at the tragic day of September 11, 2001, we must never forget how the actions of individuals that day made such a profound impact on the lives of others, how their sacrifices enabled many more to survive. Events such as 9/11 reveal the nature of humanity and the importance of community.
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