County of Monmouth

For Immediate Release:
September 11, 2025

Commissioners honor lives lost, bravery of
first responders on 9/11 with memorial ceremony

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – Today, the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, together with State, County and local officials, as well as the family members and loved ones of the 147 Monmouth County residents who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, gathered for the County’s September 11 Memorial Ceremony at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook.

“Every year, the County’s 9/11 Memorial Ceremony reaffirms our commitment to never forget the victims who lost their lives on that day and in the days that followed,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “I encourage everyone to share your memories about 9/11 with those who may not have been here for it. I also encourage those who were not with us to ask their loved ones about the experience. Education is the most powerful tool we have against terrorism. 9/11 was one of the darkest times in American history, but Americans rose and continue to shine a light and support each other. Our unity here today is a moving testament to the American spirit — a spirit that shines not only in the face of hardship, but also in the strength of healing together.”

“Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial has three symbolic components: A timeline walkway to recollect the day’s events; A stone base carved with the names, ages and hometowns of the county residents who lost their lives; And an eagle sculpture with a beam from one of the fallen towers. Throughout the Memorial, there are tributes to the tragedy and display of heroics on September 11, 2001,” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System. “Though the scars of that day remain, so too does our resilience. Through the darkness of that day, Americans throughout the Country shined a light, a light that we continue to shine through fulfilling our promise to never forget those we lost.”

In addition to the officials, families and residents in attendance, the Board of County Commissioners was joined by the Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, singer Julia Santiago, Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council 11660 Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Color Corps, the Count Basie Center Gospel Choir and Rev. Ronald Sparks of Bethel AME Church, Freehold.

Commissioner Director Arnone also read a letter on behalf of Theresa Furmato Velardi Arpert, who tragically lost her father, Paul James Furmato, on 9/11.

“In times of tragedy we look for comfort in others and in our community. We long for togetherness and connection to make the really really bad in life feel not so alone.,” wrote Arpert. “I hope when we reflect on 9/11 and tragic events like that day, we also take it as an opportunity to realize we need each other. We need each other to celebrate our wins and our victories, and we really need each other to mourn our tragedies. 24 years later, and I hope we all reach out to someone today, impacted by this tragedy or another, and let them know - they are not alone. They are never alone.”

On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Director Arnone also thanked the Boroughs of Allentown, Oceanport, Shrewsbury, Spring Lake Heights, Tinton Falls, Union Beach and the Township of Wall for joining the County in declaring 9/11 as a Day of Remembrance and closing their offices so that their workforce can pause, reflect and honor those lost during and after the terrorist attacks.

“This is the third consecutive year we’ve proclaimed Sept. 11 as a Day of Remembrance to demonstrate our commitment to honoring those who lost their lives during and after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. This allows our workforce to attend ceremonies held throughout the County, visit a Memorial like the one behind us, thank a first responder or rescue worker, and spend time with loved ones. I would like to commend the towns in Monmouth County who have joined us in doing the same—and demonstrating the importance of unity in the face of adversity,” said Commissioner Director Arnone.

Mount Mitchill is home to 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 an eagle by local artist Franco Minervini. This eagle grasps a beam from the World Trade Center.

At 266 feet above sea level, 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.

The Memorial Ceremony was live-streamed and can be viewed in its entirety on the Monmouth County Government’s Facebook and YouTube Channel.

For news and alerts from Monmouth County, go to www.visitmonmouth.com or follow @MonmouthGovNJ on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone spoke about the importance of remembering those who died during the terrorist attacks on September 11. He also spoke about Monmouth County closing its offices to allow its workforce to attend ceremonies and educate the next generation about their experiences during and in the aftermath of 9/11. Photo by Monmouth County Government.
 
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – Monmouth County Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System, provided remarks that included the history and a description of the County’s 9/11 monument located at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook. Photo by Monmouth County Government.
 
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, together with State, County and local officials, as well as the family members and loved ones of the 147 Monmouth County residents who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, gathered for the County’s September 11 Memorial Ceremony at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook. Photo by Monmouth County Government.
 
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, together with State, County and local officials, as well as the family members and loved ones of the 147 Monmouth County residents who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, gathered for the County’s September 11 Memorial Ceremony at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook. Photo by Monmouth County Government.