Toms River among NJ towns who held 9/11 observances Sunday

Towns across New Jersey held observances Sunday marking 15 years since the 9/11 airborne terrorist attacks on the United States of America. Flags at all New Jersey state government buildings were also flown at half-staff.

Where were you on 9/11? For many the answer varies, but 15 years following the terrorist attacks communities are not only remembering the events which unfolded that day, but all the lives that were lost.

At Fire Company Number One on Robbins Street in Toms River, this has been a yearly service they've been hosting according to past Fire Chief John Mount.

"It's just to remember all of the victims that suffered, or past away during 9/11, and those that are still suffering from the 9/11 experience," said Mount.

The moment of silent prayer shared by many across the nation Sunday, was just one of the ways communities gathered to remember those who were lost and those who still suffer.

In a very emotionally charged event, both township and county officials joined with local residents in remembering the 9/11 attacks and honoring those who serve. But there are still many people, especially those in high school or younger who may not remember that event.

"You can read a little account of it but it's not the same as hearing all these eye-witness accounts," said Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher. "I urge everybody to continue to keep this 9/11 observance alive and I know the fire department will do that."

In the recovery efforts following the attacks at Ground Zero, firefighters were called in from various locations including some in Toms River.

On that day Chief Mount recalls, "mobilizing the fire department in Toms River in preparation for responding up to New York City if we had to," explained Mount who added, "luckily they had enough help because help just came from everywhere that day."

However the terror attacks continue to weigh heavy on the hearts and minds of many who were impacted that day, and Mount says emotions such as anger and frustration are just a couple of them.

"The frustration that we all really wanted to help and do our part, just sitting so close to New York City," explains Mount. "But we knew that we still had obligation here."

He adds that obligation included remaining on duty both locally in Toms River, but in New Jersey as well.

Things have changed across the board since 9/11 in an event which will remain in the forever hearts and minds of many. Over the course of time since the event there continues to be changes to make things safe for American citizens.

According to Kelaher, one such bill is the Patriot Act which he feels was predicated on what happened that fateful Tuesday morning in 2001.

"That's another act that I don't think would have been passed in congress if it hadn't been for that attack," said Kelaher. "Having been a prosecutor, you need that type of authorization to tap into phones."

It's not an invasion of people's liberties Kelaher adds but remains a very good tool in combating the reason for the act's existence.

Maybe it was the sounding of the fire horn, the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace, or even the moment of silent prayer on Sunday that your town's event presented. Whatever it was or however you remembered, the silence on Sunday spoke powerful volumes echoing throughout the nation on September 11th.

Here is a list of some of the New Jersey towns who held memorial services on Sunday:

• Burlington County - Trinity Episcopal church in Moorestown
• Memorial park dedication on Ocean Gate Drive in Ocean Gate
• Mount Mitchill scenic overlook, Atlantic Highlands in Monmouth County
• Freehold Township municipal complex
• Marlboro recreation building
• Patriot park in Somers Point
• Atlantic Highlands Harbor in Atlantic Highlands
• Boardwalk at Jackson Avenue in Atlantic City
• Holmdel Municipal Complex
• Union Beach Fireman's Park
• Toms River Fire Company One on Robbins Street
• 9/11 Memorial on Union Drive in Hazlet
• Cape May Court House administration building
• Brick Township windward beach park
• Middletown World Trade Center Memorial Garden
• Manalapan, Monroe Township chorus tribute at the Monmouth County library with a candelight vigil
• Old Bridge municipal complex