Jamillah Beasley, Renee Burgess and October Hudley
IRVINGTON, NJ — Sept. 11, 2020, marked 19 years since thousands of people were killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Stonycreek, Pa.
In remembrance of this historic and terrible day for America, Irvington held a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the memorial at 1 Civic Square, between the police and fire divisions.
“My primary role was to facilitate and ensure that an abbreviated ceremony honored the slain heroes of Sept. 11,” Irvington Fire Director John Brown said in a Sept. 14 interview. “I have had the privilege and honor to assist with the organization of the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony for the past five years.
“This year, I felt a sense of urgency in order to help the community regain a semblance of normalcy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he continued. “We are facing unusual and difficult challenges that we have not had to face in our lifetime. I felt that it was more important now than ever that we never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
Despite the challenges of social distancing due to COVID-19, the event produced a significant turnout. No sponsors or partnerships were involved.
“Approximately 50 people attended the event,” Brown said. “The program was a huge success. Due to the pandemic, the program was abbreviated, and we did not ask outside vendors to participate.”
Many residents remember Sept. 11, 2001, beginning as a beautiful, sunny day that turned into an unforgettable tragedy. Today, most Americans can distinctly remember where they were and how they felt when they learned of the senseless terrorist attacks that took so many lives. The physical effects of the day are still present as well, with many still suffering from health problems and injuries 19 years later.
But even though terrorists attempted to tear down this nation, America persevered.
“To me, Sept. 11 signifies the resilience of a nation,” Brown said. “Sept. 11 holds a significant place in my heart and in the hearts and lives of every American old enough to remember the cowardly terrorists’ attack.”
Brown remembers that day vividly.
“The details of that day are carved in my brain as if it happened yesterday,” Brown said. “On that unforgettable day that we were attacked, I was off duty as a Newark firefighter. I reached out to a few Newark firefighters and corralled as many members as I could to volunteer to assist with the rescue and recovery at the World Trade Center.
“At that time, I had 10 years of firefighting experience under my belt,” he continued. “As a native New Yorker, I have seen some real horrific things in my life, but there was nothing that could have prepared me for the sheer devastation and destruction that I encountered at Ground Zero. It was with a heavy heart that I worked toe to toe, shoulder to shoulder with fellow firefighters, EMS workers and police officers, feverishly, on rescue and recovery. On that day, 19 years ago, my soul was seared, and my life changed forever.”
Going forward, Brown hopes the nation recognizes what commonalities all its residents share.
“My hope for America moving forward is that we remember we are more alike than we are different,” Brown said. “My observation is that often, when our backs are up against a wall, we dig deep to find strength and courage to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps. My heartfelt desire for this great country is that we continue to forge alliances with our fellow Americans to defeat terrorists, COVID-19 and ignorance.”
Photos Courtesy of John Brown
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