PARK RIDGE — The borough gathered at Veterans’ Park on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 11, for a candlelight ceremony of remembrance led by American Legion Post 153, marking the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that shook the nation.
On Sept. 11, 2001, 19 terrorists from the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two were flown into the Twin Towers of New York’s World Trade Center, a third struck the Pentagon, and the fourth — after passengers fought back — crashed in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people from 90 nations were killed, including 2,753 in New York. In the years since, the health toll has proven even larger: tens of thousands of first responders, recovery workers, and survivors have suffered from cancers and chronic illnesses linked to the toxic dust and debris of Ground Zero.
Park Ridge, like others in the Pascack Valley, was among the communities that suffered direct loss. The names of seven residents who perished that day — Paul Beatini, Joseph Keller, Ron Magnuson, Joseph Maio, Paul Rizza, Scott Vasel, and Martin Wortley — were read aloud, each marked by the tolling of a bell.
As wreaths were laid, the American flag lowered to half-staff, and candles lit at dusk — the flame shared, neighbor to neighbor — Mayor Keith Misciagna said the tradition reaffirms the promise to never forget. “Each year we gather to honor every victim, every family, and every American whose lives were forever changed,” he said.
The commemoration was a collective effort of the Cpl. Jedh C. Barker American Legion Post 153, under command of Ryan O’Hara, with veterans, the Sons of the Legion, and the Women’s Auxiliary all represented — reflecting their year-round mission of serving service members and supporting local veterans in need.
Prayers were offered, Scouts joined in uniform, and residents stood together in silence, their candles glowing across the park — a ritual of remembrance and resolve that keeps the promise: We will never forget.
— Photos by John Snyder of Pascack Press
