NJ Commemorates Lives of 9-11 Victims

The State commemorated the lives of some 700 New Jerseyans who died on September 11 with the opening of a special exhibit of the Memory Walls and kiosks on which families, friends and volunteers left personal mementos, notes of remembrance and testimonials to their loved ones.

Governor James E. McGreevey formally opened the exhibit as the State marked the six-month anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks. The Governor was joined by victims’ family members, dignitaries and clergy.

The two-month exhibit, “9.11 NJ: Response and Reflection,” is being presented by the New Jersey State Museum at the Department of State Galleries, 225 West State Street, in Trenton. “The walls have evolved into memorial shrines that provide an immediate and moving tribute to the victims and the rescue workers,” said McGreevey. “The result is a powerful display that documents, in human terms, the events of September 11 and the extraordinary response from rescue and relief agencies and hundreds of volunteers.” The walls and kiosks were originally set up at the Family Assistance Center in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, which was established shortly after the attack to assist families and friends of individuals from New Jersey who were lost or missing. More than 100 boards, many of them arranged in cubes or kiosks, are on display along with signs and banners identifying governmental and private support agencies, objects given to family members, and children's artwork. “The events of September 11 changed all of our lives, but for the families who lost loved ones in the attacks, the grieving and healing process continues everyday,” said McGreevey. “Through our exhibit, we will provide an opportunity for family members and all New Jerseyans to share in the memories of the hundreds of lives lost on September 11.” The exhibit will continue through May 12 on Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Earlier in the day, the Governor visited the Brookside School in Monroe Township, where he accepted a “Quilt of Remembrance” made by students in memory of the September 11 victims.

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: Paul Aronsohn