Ten Years After September 11: Forever in Our Hearts

As night fell on the evening of September 11, 2011, one could not help but think what a stark contrast the dark evening sky was, compared to the stunningly bright blue sky that dawned on the fateful morning ten years prior. That night, members of the Holmdel, NJ community gathered together in front of town hall to observe the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on American soil and to honor the memory of those who were lost. 

Hundreds of eyes were focused on the beautiful monument that sits in the center of Holmdel’s Memorial Circle, illuminated with spotlights from a firetruck that towered above it as Holmdel High School student John Smalls strode slowly into the circle, playing the moving strains of “Scotland the Brave” on his bagpipe. The Holmdel Police Honor Guard marched silently, proudly bearing aloft the American flag, and the crowd stood at attention to recite together the Pledge of Allegiance. Then a quartet of Holmdel High School students – Kelsey Lynch, Shayoni Nag, Tim Salas, and Noah Rauchwerk – sang the National Anthem.

William Allingham, the father of Holmdel resident Christopher Allingham, who was killed on September 11, gave the invocation. He brought to mind all those who were taken from us so tragically, as well as the sense of community and the bonds of family and friends that brought everyone together, asking God to “help us to rekindle the spirit and love that helped get us through those days.” He remarked on the symbolic design of the township memorial, with hands that reach out, seeking solace and salvation.

Mayor Patrick Impreveduto welcomed everyone, introduced the other members of the Holmdel Township Committee, and gave special thanks to Lisa Hettler, chairperson of the Holmdel 9-11 Memorial Committee and sister-in-law of September 11 victim Paul Barbaro, for her efforts in organizing the ceremony. “The tears may have dried, but the pain has not gone away,” said the mayor. He noted that although ten years may have passed, it seems like only yesterday since the impact of that awful morning was felt throughout the community.

Bringing to mind once again those vivid September skies, the high school quartet stepped forward again to sing a beautiful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” With the hopeful lyrics fading away, the names of each Holmdel resident and each immediate family member of Holmdel residents who was lost on September 11 was read aloud. As each person was remembered, their loved ones came forward to the podium to receive white and red long-stemmed roses and to light a memorial candle, which they then carried down the path to lay at the monument.

Those who were taken from this world too soon on September 11, 2001 included:

Holmdel Residents

Christopher E. Allingham

Paul V. Barbaro

Evan Jay Baron

Michael P. LaForte

Chih Min “Dennis” Foo

Robert L. Horohoe, Jr.

Matthew Picerno

Gregory M. Preziose

Gregg Reidy

Eric Adam Stahlman

Immediate Family Members of Residents

Eric T. Allen – FDNY

Peter Paul Apollo

Brett T. Bailey

Dominick E. Calia

Lt. Peter Louis Freund – FDNY

Frederick K. Han

Brendan M. Lang

Rosanne P. Lang

Robert Scandole, Jr.

Eric Steen

James J. Straine, Jr.

The voices of the four Holmdel High School students rose again in song, this time performing the aptly chosen “Hero.” William Allingham gave the closing prayer and then the entire crowd joined together to sing loudly and proudly, “God Bless America.” The haunting sounds of the bagpipe began once more, as John Smalls played “Amazing Grace.”

With the conclusion of the ceremony, families, friends, and neighbors lingered at the site – some talking and exchanging warm smiles, some silently hugging and wiping away tears. A line of people waited their turn to make their way to the magnificent memorial and pay their respects, taking time to read each name and the meaningful words and images inscribed there. Standing at respectful attention all around the memorial and along the walkway were volunteer members of Holmdel Fire Department #2. 

Heroes, all of them: the hundreds of fallen firefighters and police officers whose dedication ten years ago came at the highest cost of all; the thousands of ordinary and extraordinary citizens who were just beginning another day filled with promise as the world came tumbling down; the families and friends left behind to go on to live their lives without them, carrying with them searing images and enduring, loving memories. 

We will never forget.