For Immediate Release:
September 11, 2023

County Commissioners hosted 22^nd anniversary
9/11 Memorial Ceremony

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners hosted the Monmouth County September 11 Memorial Ceremony today at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook with those who lost loved ones from Monmouth County on September 11, 2001.

“Last year, I stood at this podium and asked our State and Federal governments to declare Sept. 11 a holiday, a day of remembrance; a day where people could attend memorial events in honor of Sept. 11, 2001,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Unfortunately, that did not happen, but it did in Monmouth County, and I would like to thank my fellow Commissioners, Constitutional Officers and staff who helped make today a day of remembrance. I hope today sends a message to our State and Federal governments that Sept. 11 is not only a day of remembrance, but also a day to educate our youth on the events which changed our County and Country forever. ”

“When the dust settled and the smoke cleared, America rose up with a promise to Never Forget,” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System. “Today, on this National Day of Remembrance, I encourage everyone to find a quiet moment to reflect and to remember the 147 Monmouth County families that were forever changed that day.”

In addition to the families and residents in attendance, the Board of County Commissioners were joined by Atlantic Watch Pipe and Drum Band, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, singer Julia Santiago, Knights of Columbus Council 11660 Highlands and the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Color Corp., the Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, Reverend Garry Koch of St. Benedict Catholic Church and Rev. Ronald Sparks of Bethel AME Church.

Mount Mitchill is home to the Monmouth County’s 9/11 Memorial which is a tribute to the 147 men and women who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. The path leading to the memorial chronicles the events of that day and at the center is the light stone sculpture of any eagle by local artist Franco Minervini. This eagle grasps a beam from the World Trade Center.

At 266 feet, this overlook in Atlantic Highlands sits on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic seaboard (excluding islands) from Maine to the Yucatan providing beautiful views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. This 12-acre site is also home to Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial.

In 2002, the Monmouth County 9/11 Committee formed and began making plans for a fitting tribute to the victims, heroes, and events of September 11th. The group’s first responsibility was to select a memorial to fit into Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook. The 9/11 Committee then embarked on a major fundraising effort to finance the Memorial. By midsummer 2005 the group exceeded its goal by raising $296,000. Continued donations will support the upkeep and maintenance of the Memorial.