Today, we mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 

We honor and remember the people who perished in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville—including the heroic first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice running toward danger to help others. 

The coordinated terrorist attacks on our country killed nearly 3,000 people, almost 750 of them New Jersey residents. Two decades later, more first responders and survivors have died from  9/11-related illnesses than on the day itself. We honor their lives and their memory on this occasion, and mourn all we lost on that terrible day.

Mendham Township is commemorating this anniversary in a number of ways. 

Last Sunday, Township officials, Ralston Engine Company, and Brookside Engine Company began their 20th anniversary tribute by joining Frank Siller, from the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, as he walked through the Mendhams to Morris Township on his 500 mile journey from the Pentagon, to Shanksville, to Ground Zero. Later in the afternoon, members of the Brookside Engine Company paid tribute to the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters who selflessly gave their lives on September 11, 2001 by climbing the equivalent of the 100 stories of the World Trade Center. 

This morning, the Township will sound sirens around town at four times to pay tribute to that horrific day - 8:46am when the North Tower was struck, 9:03am when the South Tower was struck, 9:37am when the Pentagon was struck, and 10:03am when Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania. During the Brookside Engine Company’s Annual Clambake, later this afternoon, Mendham Township’s first responders will lead a remembrance ceremony starting at 3:30pm which will go until 4:00pm. The tribute will be accompanied by a static memorial that will be stationed at the Brookside Community Club Field throughout the duration of the event. 

As we continue to reflect on that harrowing day, let us also remember the strength, solidarity, and hope we have gained over the last 20 years. 

Sarah Neibart

Mayor, Mendham Township