Sussex County Community College (SCCC), in partnership with PBA Local 138, held a 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, September 11, at the College’s 9/11 Memorial on Connor Green.
The ceremony brought together members of the College and surrounding community, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, veterans, students, faculty, staff, and area residents. Together, they remembered the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, while honoring the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call that day.
The ceremony began with a drill and ceremonial entrance by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, accompanied by the Police Pipes & Drums of Morris County. Detective David Perez of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, who served as master of ceremonies, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Newton High School Choir performed the National Anthem.
Dr. Cory Homer, President of SCCC, welcomed attendees and reflected on the importance of gathering as a community to remember the lives lost, honor the first responders, and preserve the lessons of September 11 for future generations.
The keynote address was delivered by Colonel Dave Melendez Jr., a member of the FDNY and Army National Guard. Melendez reflected not only on the tragedy of September 11, 2001, but also on the unity, compassion, and shared sense of responsibility demonstrated by Americans in the days that followed.
“Our American flags were everywhere on September 12,” Melendez said. “It wasn’t just what the flag represented, it was what the flag represented at that moment. We remembered that we belonged to one another. People checked on their neighbors, strangers helped strangers, and communities supported service members, firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and those who had lost loved ones.”
Melendez encouraged those in attendance to carry that same spirit of unity and service forward, not only during times of tragedy, but in their everyday lives.
“Citizenship means standing up when something is wrong and stepping forward when someone needs help,” Melendez said. “Freedom isn’t simply something we inherit; it is something temporarily entrusted to us. Twenty-five years ago, we witnessed what Americans were capable of when September 11 forced us to look beyond ourselves.”
“Twenty-five years later, we have an opportunity to prove that we don’t need another catastrophe to do it again,” he continued. “We simply need to remember who we are. September 11 was a tragedy that happened to America, but September 12 is about what Americans chose to do next. America is strongest when we see beyond ourselves.”
Representatives from the Newton Police Department, Newton Fire Department, Newton VFW Post 5360, and Newton Emergency Medical Services participated in a wreath-laying ceremony honoring those who lost their lives and the first responders who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness.
Bugles Across America performed Taps, providing a solemn moment of reflection. Detective Peter Vex of PBA Local 138 delivered the dismissal remarks.
