ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—It’s been 18 years since terrorists weaponized American planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center, yet the horror of that day still remains emblazoned in our consciousness. Every year, our nation mourns the victims of the horrific assault on American soil and memorializes the heroes who risked their lives dashing into the inferno to save others.
Whereas the reported death toll reached over 3,000 souls, many thousands more were injured, became ill and died afterwards from exposure to the toxic fumes and debris that permeated the area for months.
This reporter’s own cousin, Naomi Glantz, a vibrant 40-year-old executive, was one such casualty. After a miraculous escape from her office complex located just below the decimated site of Cantor Fitzgerald, within a few short months, she succumbed to respiratory cancer.
In Englewood, throughout Bergen County and across the U.S., so many of us have personal stories to tell of our friends, families and neighbors who perished from 9/11. As such, the City of Englewood honors them every year with a memorial service at Memorial Park.
Englewood Memorial Park has particular meaning because it houses a five-sided monument inscribed with the names of the 9/11 victims from Englewood and a steel beam perched above the monument pointing in the direction of where the World Trade Center once stood.
Another panel displays the iconic photograph by Thomas E. Franklin of three firemen raising the American flag amidst the rubble, and the fifth panel is an etching of the memorial ribbon with the words, “We Shall Never Forget.”
This Sept. 11, dozens of residents, visitors, and dignitaries came to pay tribute in a solemn show of solidarity beginning at 8:30 a.m. There was pride and patriotism everywhere as the Englewood Police and Fire departments Honor Guard posted the colors and then stood solemnly throughout the proceedings to acknowledge the sacrifice that their New York comrades made that day.
The 9/11 ceremony was presided over by Mayor Wildes, who introduced the dignitaries in attendance, including Councilman Michael Cohen, Former Councilman Scott Reddin, the EMS responders, Representative Ritzy Moralez-Diaz from U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell’s office, Englewood Chamber of Commerce President Carol Rauscher, Police Chief Lawrence Suffern, Deputy Chief Gregory Halstead, Fire Chief Erik Enersen, Englewood Library Director John Arthur, Police Detective Capt. Timothy Torell and Fire Capt. Jeff Kaplan.
There were also several clergy who spoke during the service—Rev. Eddie Spencer IV, pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Rabbi Chaim Poupko of Congregation Ahavath Torah, and Rev. Thomas Jordan, of St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church.
Wildes began his speech with many salient points.
“In past years we remembered and memorialized our lost loved ones to ensure that our community, families and visitors never forget the tragedy which struck so vital a chord in the hearts of our people. We planted a tree when I was last mayor by the library symbolizing life and growth; set stones, representing strength and perseverance; and dedicated a bench signifying permanence and settlement. This continues to be a place of consolation for us, but let us take something more from it,” Wildes said.
“I invite each of you to reflect, for a moment, that there are men and women fighting to protect your safety and comfort. Admire the strength of the tree rooted by our library, in Englewood: ‘The City of Trees’ and know that those soldiers work to make America as strong and sturdy as she can be. These people are heroes, and today we recognize their fallen brothers and sisters, not in their memory, but with veneration to their spirit and courage, that their heroism may serve as inspiration to us all.”
Following Wildes’ remarks, the Posting of the Colors by the Englewood Police and Fire Department Honor Guard was led by Patrol Sgt. Oscar Hernandez, an Iraqi War veteran.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Police Chief Lawrence Suffern and the National Anthem was sung by Devry Pazant.
An invocation was given by Reverend Eddie Spencer IV and a prayer was said by Rabbi Poupko.
Wildes then invited Shelley Kane to read the names of the victims who perished on 9/11. Kane, whose son Howard died in the World Trade Center attack, spoke with a heavy heart and tears in her eyes. Later she recalled, “Howard was working at Windows on the World that morning, so when he heard the first explosion, he called his wife and said “I think there’s a fire in the kitchen.”
That was the last that anyone heard from him again. Shelley who comes with her other son, Adam, every year to a 911 service said, “It is heartwarming to see so many people here in Englewood honoring my son and the others who died. It’s wonderful that they still remember!”
Nick Gallucci, a vocalist from the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC, sang “God Bless America,” after which the colors were retired by the Honor Guard.
A closing prayer was delivered by Rev. Jordan, of St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church.
The Englewood residents who perished on 9/11:
• Michael S. Baksh, May 18, 1965–Sept. 11, 2001.
• Alejandro Castano, Jan. 28, 1967–Sept. 11, 2001.
• Frank Joseph Doyle, Jan. 29, 1962–Sept. 11, 2001.
• Uhuru G. Houston, Aug. 22, 1969–Sept. 11, 2001.
• Howard L. Kane, May 6, 1961–Sept. 11, 2001.
• Michael Matthew Miller, Nov. 30, 1961–Sept. 11, 2001.
• Frank Bennett Reisman, Nov. 29, 1959–Sept. 11, 2001.
• Alva Cynthia Jeffries Sanchez, April 18, 1960–Sept. 11, 2001.
Photos by Hillary Viders