Ocean County Remembers

Led by Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi, Ocean County’s annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of the devastating events of Sept. 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. Coming together as an Ocean County family, Commissioner Sadeghi was joined by Commissioners Robert S. Arace, Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione and Sam Ellenbogen; Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer; members of Toms River Fire Co. 1; Toms River Schools Superintendent Mike Citta; Rabbi Moshe Gourarie; Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy; Surrogate Jeff Moran; Ocean County Deputy Clerks John Catalano and Ashley Lamb; 9th District State Sen. Carmen F. Amato Jr.; Assemblyman Brian Rumpf; Assemblyman Gregory E. Myhre; local officials and first responders; numerous members of County staff; and members of the public.

Together, those in attendance gathered to remember all those lost on Sept. 11 and all those who continue to suffer the effects of 9/11-related illnesses.

Wreaths were placed at the Sept. 11 Memorial on Hooper Avenue at the Ocean County Government Complex, as well as at the War on Terror Memorial. Joining the wreath-laying ceremony were Retired Lt. Col. Brian McCarthy of the N.J. Air National Guard, 177th Fighter Wing, and Vincent Camporeale, Director of the Ocean County Office of Veterans Services.

The Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools Performing Arts Academy Choir, under the direction of Mary Kenny; the Toms River Municipal Band, under the direction of Frank Hughes; and the Shamrock Thistle Pipes & Drums Band performed musical selections before and during the ceremony. Jersey Shore Doves provided a ceremonial dove release. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and Toms River Police Department Color Guards posted the colors, while Toms River Fire Company No. 1 provided the American flag that hung above the attendees.