On Friday, September 11, Hoboken held its annual Interfaith Memorial Service in remembrance of those who passed during the events of 9/11. The ceremony took place on Pier A next to the Hoboken 9/11 Memorial, which contains the names of the 56 Hoboken lives that were lost during the tragic attack.
The first speaker was Councilwoman Emily Jabbour who spoke in place of Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who is currently self-quarantining after being in proximity to a contact who tested positive for COVID-19. Jabbour remarked, “No words can ever fully heal the wounds from that day. But we remember and will always remember each of those 56 residents who are represented by each individual panel on the 9/11 memorial.” She continued to commend the resiliency of Hoboken and its strong community built on kindness.
Congressman Albio Sires followed Jabbour and spoke of his own memories from that day when he was Mayor of West New York. He recounted the difficulties and pain that many of his neighbors and other families faced immediately after the events of 9/11. Following Sires, Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro also described her actions and immediate thoughts from 19 years ago. Speaking towards the families of those who lost their lives, Chaparro said, “We will always remember and love each and every one of them in this community. And we won’t forget them.” She also honored the first-responders, police, fire and safety, and EMS officials who selflessly risked their lives. Freeholder Anthony Romano also shared anecdotal notes and applauded the strength of first responders and described the toxic conditions they faced while trying to save others; for many, exposure to smoke caused illnesses have affected them for the rest of their lives.
After these speakers, Rabbi Moshe Shapiro spoke of the sense of fear among the Hoboken community as they watched the events unfold from across the Hudson River. He then played the shofar, a musical horn instrument, to bless everyone with health, happiness, and success for this year. Additionally, members of the Hoboken community read the names of the 56 people who lost their lives. This ceremony was the 19th annual ceremony and marks a long-standing Hoboken tradition.
Featured image courtesy of Hobokengirl.com.
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