Photos by Steveamack.comAt 8:20 September 11, 2012 Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, the Municipal Council, the Department of Health and Human Services/Division of Cultural Affairs and the Jersey City 9/11 Memorial Committee  observed  the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks with the annual 9/11 Memorial Service “Reflections.”The Memorial Service took place a t the foot of Grand Street on the Jersey City Waterfront.

On September 11, 2001, Jersey City lost 37 residents in the devastating terrorist attacks. After the towers fell across the Hudson River, the Jersey City waterfront became a staging ground for recovery and relief efforts. Today, the 9/11 monument stands directly across the river from where the World Trade Center towers once stood and where the new tower, One World Trade Center, has risen. The names of the 37 residents of Jersey City are etched on the monument as a memorial for future generations to remember with respect and honor. “It was a tragic day in which the whole world stood still and offered prayers and condolences to the people of the United States of America,” said Mayor Healy. “Every year, Americans across the country stand united with remarkable spirit, compassion, and patriotism. We continue to salute the many brave men and women who protect our lives and our liberties abroad and at home.” The Mayor noted that contingents of Jersey City firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses and medical technicians were among the first responders to Ground Zero.

A triage center was established in Liberty State Park and New York Waterway ferried thousands of injured people and workers from the devastated area in Lower Manhattan to safety in Jersey City. The Jersey City Medical Center, Greenville Hospital, Christ Hospital, and Saint Francis Hospital were the medical facilities where most of those brought to Jersey City were treated. Local funeral homes were called upon to offer assistance with the bodies of the victims.

“On September 11th, we shall honor the great sacrifices made by our first responders and our brave men and women in the United States Armed Forces who continue to protect our country at home and abroad,” said Mayor Healy. “I also thank the various city agencies, such as the Jersey City Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management, who work tirelessly every year to coordinate this event of reverent reflection in which we honor the victims and heroes of that day.”

The 9/11 ceremony will featured remarks by Mayor Healy and other officials. There were two moments of silence to remember the victims. Special songs and inspirational were also  part of the remembrance program. Continuing a spiritual custom started in 2002, there was a  recitation of the names of the residents of Jersey City killed in the attack. The chiming of a bell accompanied  each name spoken. The invocation was led by Father Joseph D’ Amico of Saint Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, and the benediction by Deacon Steven Sansevere, a retired member of the JCPD. Since 2002, the Jersey City 9/11 Memorial Committee, the Office of the Mayor and the Division of Cultural Affairs have observed the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the forced crash of a commercial aircraft, Flight 93, in a Pennsylvania field which had been commandeered by terrorists.