On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, I found myself in my first-period math class in middle school, preparing for a test. As I reviewed our study guide, the familiar hum of the classroom was interrupted by the sound of the television volume increasing. The old box TV, perched in the corner, caught my attention, hinting that something unusual was unfolding.
I wasn’t really paying attention to the TV at the time, but I distinctly remember glancing up to see the Twin Towers in New York with what looked like an aerial view showing thick black smoke rising. I returned to my studies, and after that, my memories of the rest of the day become a bit hazy. I do remember the school dismissing early and my parents racing home from the shore, while my Aunt was with me at home. It’s astonishing that 21 years have passed since that day, and I can still vividly recall the moment I first saw the Towers.
I know I share this experience with many others. Numerous classmates still remember that day clearly. My husband also has a vivid recollection of his first sighting; it’s a moment forever imprinted in our minds. While the events of 9/11 are etched in our memories, our children will only encounter them through the pages of their textbooks and old footage. It’s crucial for us as parents and as Americans to share the stories of that day and emphasize its importance for those who come after us.
The New York memorial offers an unparalleled experience to comprehend the significance of 9/11. For those unable to travel to the city, several nearby communities have created their own memorials, helping us to remember and honor that day.
The Pennsauken 9/11 Memorial resonates profoundly with me. Annually, volunteers commemorate the 2,997 victims by placing an American flag for each life taken. The display of these flags starkly reminds us of the violence that forever changed our country. This 9/11, I invite you to take your children to a memorial. Discuss the history with them, explore their emotions, and ensure that the memory endures.
Check out this collection of memorials in neighboring towns that you can visit on September 11.
9/11 MEMORIALS NEAR CHERRY HILL
Listed in Alphabetical Order
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AUDUBON
Audubon Fire Department - 221 W. Merchant Street, Audubon NJ 08106
The memorial consists of steel & concrete anchor points from North Tower (Tower 1) of the World Trade Center.
BARRINGTON
Barrington Municipal Building - 229 Trenton Ave, Barrington, NJ 08007 (Memorial is on Haines Ave – behind Municipal Building)
A titled weathering steel slabs is aligned with the sun on the exact date & time of the four terrorists attacks. There are 2,977 holes on the slab which represents each individual who perished that day.
BROOKLAWN
Barrington Municipal Building - South Hannevig and Horton Avenues Brooklawn, NJ 08030
This memorial features a pentagon-shaped base which supports a 9'11' piece of WTC steel. On each side of the steel piece are two stone pedestals. On one there rests a limestone block from the Pentagon & the other contains a box which holds soil & stone artifacts taken from Flight 93 crash site near Shanksville, PA.
CHERRY HILL
Cherry Hill Fire Department - 1100 Marlkress Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
An engraved gravestone nestles beneath a large bell that honors the memory of the firefighters, police officers, EMS persons and civilians who lost their lives.
CINNAMINSON
Cinnaminson Municipal Court - 1621 Riverton Rd, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
EVESHAM
Evesham Fire & Rescue Main Street Station - 26 E. Main Street, Evesham NJ 08053
Evesham Fire-Rescue’s memorial includes a 13-foot steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Center. 26 E Main St, Evesham
HADDON TOWNSHIP / WESTMONT
Westmont Fire Department - 120 Haddon Ave, Haddon Township, NJ 08108
Memorial consists of 3 artifacts.
- Steel recovered from the WTC
- Limestone from the pentagon
- Stone taken from the crash site near Shanksville, PA
MOUNT LAUREL
Mount Laurel Fire Department - 69 Elbo Lane, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
This memorial is home to meaningful artifacts from the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and the Flight 93 Memorial site. It features a remarkable 17-foot steel I-beam from the World Trade Center, a 250-pound limestone piece from the Pentagon's exterior, and a two-foot stone from the Flight 93 Memorial site, each telling a story of resilience and remembrance.
PENNSAUKEN
There are TWO(2) September 11 memorials in Pennsauken.
- Off Rt. 130 near the Pennsauken Library - Open Google Maps
- At Cooper River - 5300 N. Park Dr. Pennsauken, NJ 08109
The First memorial is located on Rt. 130 & Merchantville Ave across from the Pennsauken Library and Temple Lutheran Church. You can park at the Library parking lot and walk over the bridge to the memorial or park on one of the side streets. Each year on September 11, Pennsauken Township honors the memory of the 2,997 lives lost in the 9/11 attacks by displaying an American flag for each victim throughout the memorial. See 1st picture below.
The second memorial resides at Cooper River Park. This memorial features a semicircular pavilion, upheld by seven sturdy concrete pillars that showcase various plaques. Encircled by a vibrant garden, it boasts a single tree that stands proudly on a raised platform at its center. See the 2nd Picture.
Check out the 9/11 Memorial Registry for many more memorials in NJ and all over the United States.
Do you know of a memorial that should be added to our list? Let me know!
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