Catholic Cemeteries in the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., will unveil an outdoor memorial monument, honoring the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001, immediately following a Memorial Day Mass on Monday, May 30.
The representation of the twin towers, artistically depicted in steel, stone, stained glass and titanium, will honor those who lost their lives that day and also the many people who came to the aid of others during and after the tragedy.
Although the memorial will reside in New Jersey, it was designed to serve as a national symbol of remembrance for a tragedy that brought together the country.
“There were two kinds of sacrifice during the 9/11 tragedy, the sacrifice of the innocent and the sacrifice of oneself for others,” said Andrew Schafer, Catholic Cemeteries executive director. “The intent of this memorial is to offer peace and a place of prayer on sacred ground for everyone who was affected by this tragedy.”
The site is situated in the cemetery’s “9/11” section, where victims of the terrorist attack are interred, along with police officers, firefighters and U.S. soldiers. The memorial site is situated on a hill that offers a view of the lower Manhattan skyline, where the World Trade Center’s twin towers once stood.
Design reflects faith
The 9/11 memorial, designed by New Jersey artist Bronna Butler, features two 20-foot-tall steel towers, three Bible verses and four titanium panels of photo montages. Fixed between the towers of the memorial is a Christian cross, which symbolizes the heroism and ongoing faith amidst the devastation of the 9/11 attacks.
Four photo montages are located at the base of the memorial and contain more than 40 images depicting scenes from the 9/11 tragedy.
The entire structure of the memorial is situated at the apex of a wide footpath that takes the shape of the Christian cross and was made with original pavers from the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.
The 9/11 memorial will first be shown at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, N.J., during a brief and simple unveiling at the cemetery’s annual Memorial Day Mass.
On Sept. 11, a full Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Cemetery, where first responders, survivors, dignitaries, government officials and fellow parishioners will gather to remember and pray for the fallen victims. During that ceremony, Newark Archbishop John Myers will officially bless the memorial, marking the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
For more information, visit http://www.rcancem.org or call Holy Cross Cemetery at (201) 997-1900.
