Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters and Borough Council officially dedicated the new Freedom Park on Thursday, September 11th, 2014. The dedication comes on the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11th, 2001. The park includes a section of I-beam recovered from the site of the World Trade Center, acquired to be used as an everlasting tribute to victims, their families, and first responders who were directly affected by the events on that fateful day.
“Stone Harbor worked very hard on creating a passive park that provides an opportunities for families to remember and reflect on the events of September 11th, 2001”, said Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters. “The park is appropriately located adjacent to our volunteer fire company and provides not only an opportunity for reflection and remembrance but also a passive area adjacent to our downtown district”.
An all-volunteer committee was formed at the request of Councilwoman Joan Kramar to develop a respectful tribute to individuals who were directly affected by the events of that fateful day. Kramar was able to obtain one of the final remaining artifacts released by the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey from the World Trade Center site. The dedication of Freedom Park included comments from Stephen Kern of the Authority who works with the public on a mission to never forget the impact of the events of September 11th, 2001. Other local dignitaries also provided comments during the ceremony; “Taps” was played as a remembrance.
The Stone Harbor Freedom Park was created by the Taylor Design Group, Inc. of Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Engineering services were provided by Remington & Vernick Engineer Marc DiBlasio. Marandino Construction served as the main contractor for the project. Members of the public generously made donations to support the construction and future maintenance of Freedom Park.
Stone Harbor Freedom Park is located just east of the Stone Harbor Fireman’s Memorial, steps away from Stone Harbor Borough Hall, the business district, and a new branch of the Cape May County Library System. The Park features a small civic gathering space with small tables and benches. It includes a free standing stone wall, small trellis, and natural features including drought-tolerant trees, flowering vines, and lawn areas. A small light pole will spotlight the artifact during the evening hours.
The wall features a special plaque that will the inscription: “This Park is dedicated to celebrate the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans…And to honor the commitments of those who provide and protect those freedoms. The Steel Artifact was retrieved from the World Trade Center in New York City after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. It symbolizes the sorrow and travail that we must sometimes endure in pursuit of freedom and independence”.
Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company
Councilwoman Joan Kramar addresses audience, alongside Mayor Suzanne Walters, Stephen Kern, Attorney for the NJ/NY Port Authority, survivor of the attacks on the World Trade Centers and Charles Boylan, 9/11 Memorial Committee member
Stone Harbor Elementary Students sing, and sign, Gob Bless America
Mayor Walters and Councilwoman Kramar unveil the artifact as Sean McNeill plays “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes
Mayor Walters accepts proclamation from Senator Jeff Van Drew and Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak
Stone Harbor Fire Company flies American flag in remembrance
