World - 9/11 Anniversary Subdued in Many Areas

9/11 Anniversary Subdued in Many Areas
Diane Alter

Rumson, NJ

A decade ago on a sunny, crystal clear September morning the world watched in horror as four jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.

In New Jersey, across the river from lower Manhattan, the air was thick with smoke. Little known New Jersey towns became well known across the country for the names of those killed, as well as for those who survived.

It is a day that is embedded in the minds and hearts of many Americans. It is a day that will never be forgotten.

As the 10th anniversary of the Sept.11 attacks approaches, many tributes are being planned, and many more memories will be revisited.

People will be watching television and reading stories online about the day that changed America forever. Many say they won't watch any coverage at all. They say it will stir up sad memories and anxieties. Others say they will watch all they can; that it is therapeutic. The National September 11 Memorial Museum, a tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost, just announced an exclusive 9/11 iPad app.

In New Jersey, where close to 700 firefighters, Wall Street workers, security guards, accountants, lawyers, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters perished on that fateful day, many towns are opting for subdued and quiet remembrances. Over the years in the Garden State, scholarships have been started, charity runs held, baseball games played and other events have become yearly gatherings. Parks have been created and monuments raised in honor of those who perished on the tragic day.

In Monmouth County, Facebook pages have been set up where people can post their thoughts, thank emergency responders and remember those who died. In Rumson, school children will do a cleanup around the memorial erected to remember the town's residents who died that day. In Little Silver, a 7 p.m. vigil will be held in the town's Memorial Park. In Middletown, where 37 residents lost their lives, an art exhibit honoring the 10th anniversary will open.