Where to find some of NJ’s most notable 9/11 memorials
By this time next year, an official New Jersey registry will highlight and promote all the standing memorials remembering the lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But for now, we'll help you out.
Check out our list below of New Jersey's most notable 9/11 memorials.
In early August, a New Jersey bill was signed into law that requires the creation of an online registry that provides the location of every memorial owned, operated or maintained by a governmental entity. There are dozens across the state.
The registry, to be published on the Division of Travel and Tourism's website, will be searchable as a list and an interactive map, and display photos of each site, the bill states.
Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo, D-Atlantic, said the idea came following last September's unveiling in Absecon of a 9/11 memorial featuring a 16-foot steal beam from Tower 2 of the World Trade Center. With the help of intense outreach from several Absecon firefighters, the city beat out 1,500 other towns to obtain the piece of steel from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
"The Absecon memorial is a very impressive and touching tribute to this moment in American history that affected so many lives," Mazzeo said in a news release. "After seeing it, I realized that there are probably many memorials throughout the state that residents aren't aware of. We should find a way to highlight them so residents and tourists alike can visit and pay their respects."
The law does not include a deadline for creation of the registry; it will not be available ahead of the upcoming 16th anniversary.
According to a spokesperson for the Division, which falls under the Department of State, the interactive registry could be ready in late fall.
The website will be updated as new 9/11 memorials are created. The Division will accept recommendations from the public to include memorials that are not established by a governmental entity.
— West Orange —
Prospect Avenue and Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ
With an overlook view of Manhattan, TripAdvisor reviews call it “stunning” and “great for a hike and reflection of 9/11."
— Jersey City —
Empty Sky
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ
According to nj911memorial.org/empty-sky:
Twin walls transect a gently sloped mound anchored by a granite path that is directed toward Ground Zero. The length of each wall is exactly equal to one side of the former World Trade Center Towers as the height of the wall reflects proportion of the former buildings if they were lying on their side. The seven hundred and forty nine (749) victims’ names from the State of New Jersey face one another on the interior elevations of the twin brushed stainless steel walls within easy reach. The walls channel visitors to the location in the Manhattan skyline where the former World Trade Center towers once stood.
— Lyndhurst —
World Trade Center Memorial Cove
Richard W. DeKorte Park, 1 DeKorte Park, Kearny, NJ
The memorial is a wooden deck with two wooden piers in the Hackensack River marsh. Each pier consists of 110 boards representing each of the World Trade Center's 110 floors. The pier looks out toward Manhattan. A steel silhouette shows the New York skyline with the towers intact.
— West Windsor —
Mercer County Park Memorial
Clarksville Road and Route 571, West Windsor, NJ
Made with steel beam and cables from the World Trade Center wreckage.
— Bayonne —
Teardrop Memorial
51 Port Terminal Blvd, Bayonne, NJ
A gift from Russia, this bronze memorial is 100 feet tall with a 40-foot steel teardrop. It was created by Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli.
— Stirling —
9/11 Memorial at Shrine of St. Joseph
1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling NJ
A bell tolls every 46 minutes four times, once for each of the attacks on the North and South towers, the Pentagon and United Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.
— Middletown —
Middletown WTC Memorial Gardens
36 Church St., Middletown, NJ
A landscaped walking path with memorials for each of the 37 victims from this Monmouth County town.
— Allendale —
Allendale 9/11 memorial
380 West Crescent Ave., Allendale, NJ
A bronze American flag and eagle adorn a 5-foot granite marker honoring the victims, including a town resident.
Contact reporter Dino Flammia at dino.flammia@townsquaremedia.com.