Despite poor weather, event draws hundreds to memorial service
By: Alec Moore
A light drizzle and an otherwise cold and dreary morning didn’t deter scores of residents from coming out for Hillsborough’s first day of community pride and patriotism, Saturday.
Following a colorful and high-spirited parade of more than 20 community groups, which made its away down Auten Road to New Amwell and then into the municipal complex, the township honored those who lost their lives on Sept. 11.
Hillsborough Township, its Police Department, fire companies and Rescue Squad each laid a wreath before the town’s flagpoles, which were lowered to half-staff during the ceremony to the sound of taps, played by Hillsborough High School student Anthony Greco.
Prior to the laying of the wreaths, the ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem by Janice Smith, who was accompanied by the Hillsborough High School marching band.
Mayor Joseph Tricarico then expressed his gratitude and surprise to the several hundred residents who turned out for the day in spite of the less than ideal weather as he shared his thoughts on America and the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.
"Like all of you, my emotions ran the full gamut after the bombing of the World Trade Center," the mayor said. "I was led to a period of introspection, what makes us Americans … why are we different from everyone else in this world? Americans are participants in the greatest government experiment in history, a government that derives its power from the people it governs. We believe in the dignity of an individual."
The mayor then cited the words of America’s founding fathers who more than 200 years ago decreed that all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
"The recent attack was designed to frighten us into forgetting these words. We hold life sacred in America and would never think of denying someone there existence. We cherish the liberties we enjoy, being able to travel anywhere, to be what we want to be and to instill our values of fairness and achievement in our children," he continued.
"We desire to be free from fear that our safety is in jeopardy and our way of life threatened because if we succumb to our fears and give up the liberties this country was founded on, then the cowardly acts committed by a few would have accomplished their goals. An idea cannot be snuffed out with guns, terror or intimidation, these vial acts will fail as did all such acts previously.
Finally, I have been heartened by the acts of caring, bravery and patriotism witnessed in New York and in our own community and I would like to thank everyone on behalf of the community for your efforts and courage. I am proud to be an American and proud to be mayor of this great community, God bless you and God bless America."
Following the laying of the wreaths, residents were invited to attend a picnic held under a tent. Among the festivities at the picnic were music, a football passing game and a 19th century Civil War camp and plenty of food and fun for all.