Honoring the fallen of 9/11

by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
   Local residents gathered beneath a hazy sky at the township’s Sept. 11 memorial last week to mark the seventh anniversary of the attacks.
   Approximately 100 people attended the 20-minute ceremony in front of the municipal building, which featured a bagpipe performance of “God Bless America” and “Amazing Grace” by Taylor Owens, the Police Department honor guard, and comments from local officials.
   ”The people who attacked us that day will never win,” Councilman Chris Kilmurray told the crowd. “Because the American spirit survives.”
   Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein said people who lived in the area during the attacks had a special understanding of the event.
   ”It is something that all of us share in,” she said. “It’s very important each and every one of us remember.”
   Councilwoman Carol Barrett asked that everyone keep the victims foremost in their thoughts.
   ”This is a very solemn day,” Ms. Barrett said. “Our thoughts and our prayers should be with the victims every single day of our lives.”
   Mayor Frank Gambatese applauded the township people’s efforts to create the Sept. 11 memorial.
   ”The memorial was completely paid for with donations,” he said. “The people here said ‘we want this in our town.’ “
   The township is still looking to raise money for the memorial, which was dedicated in 2005. The site features a three-piece fountain, designed by Amado Batour, of Somerset, and was chosen from 28 artists’ submission in 2004. The blocks are meant to symbolize the three South Brunswick victims of the attack, Kenneth Ledee, Toyena Skinner and Jeffery Robinson, who did not know each other, but shared the same fate on that day.
   The site also features a brick walkway and three benches. Those who wish to donate can purchase bricks for $100-a-piece to be placed on the walk. Each brick can be inscribed with a message, up to three lines long with 13 characters in each line, according to township spokesman Ron Schmalz. He said that about half of the bricks have been sold.
   A bench also is available for $25,000.
   Mr. Schmalz said that $25 of the cost of the bricks goes toward the materials, and the remaining $75 is placed in a fund to maintain the memorial and keep the fountain working properly.
   Those interested in purchasing bricks can do so by contacting Mr. Schmalz at 732-329-4000 ext. 7275 or by e-mail at [email protected].