The township will host Gloucester County’s annual Patriot Day Ceremony at Chestnut Branch Park next month to honor those who died on 9/11.
The event will begin at 8:30 a.m., around the time the first plane hijacked by terrorists hit the World Trade Center’s north tower that day. The Wednesday, Sept. 11, ceremony will take place at the park’s Place of Remembrance, which honors the 2,977 lives lost in New York City, at the Pentagon and in a Pennsylvania field during the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history.
“We are immensely honored to again be the hosting location for the county’s Patriot Day Ceremony at our beautiful Place of Reflection at Chestnut Branch Park,” said Mayor Robert Zimmerman. “Each year, we gather to remember the nearly 3,000 people who perished during the horrific attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.”
The area is situated around a broken I-beam from Twin Towners. To its side is a bell that sits unattended all year, except on Sept. 11, when it will be rung four times to mark when the hijacked planes struck. It also a memorial to Mantua resident John Rodak, who died in the towers. The 39-year-old left behind his wife Joyce and his two daughters, Devon and Chelsea.
“For Mantua, it’s an opportunity for us to personally reflect on the loss of resident John Rodak,” noted Zimmerman, “and to support our good friends, Joyce and his daughters, Devon and Chelsea. John is our hometown patriot and the Rodaks are a huge part of our Mantua family.”
Two other Gloucester County residents who perished that day are also memorialized at the park: 36-year-old Perry Thompson, a photographer from Monroe Township, and Nick Brandemarti, a 21-year-old from West Deptford who worked as an equities analyst in the towers. Their families and Rodak’s are expected to attend the ceremony.
The event is open to the public and is rain or shine. Police and fire departments will pay tribute to the 9/11 victims, including first responders who sacrificed their lives for the safety of others. The entrance to the park will have an American flag dangling from two firetruck ladders.
The township committee and officials from nearby towns are also expected. Clearview High School’s vocal ensemble will perform the national anthem.
“This is our way to honor and pay tribute to all those who lost their lives,’ said Zimmerman, including our brave first responders and all the victims’ families.”
