After participating in the Colors and Candles memorial event held at Skyland's Park this past September 11, 2002, it became abundantly clear to members of the Sussex County PBA how Sussex County residents were affected by the tragic events of 9/11 .  It also underscored our desire to construct a monument here in Sussex County to honor and remember the heroes, the victims and the rescue-recovery  workers of September 11, 2001.

     Residents of Sussex County were deeply affected by the horror of September 11, 2001, quite possibly the worst day in our Nation's history.  We shared feelings of confusion and fear with Americans across the country.  Together we witnessed our grief grow into unshakable American pride and determination.

     Sussex County's 9/11 Monument will serve as a memorial to the lives lost and as a symbol honoring the heroic service and sacrifices made on that tragic day.  The centerpiece of the monument, the steel beam from the World Trade Center, has been described as this generation's Civil War cannon.  Similarly, it is our hope that with this Monument, We Will Never Forget September 11, 2001.

     PBA Local 138 State Delegate John M. Hulse, as well as many other PBA members statewide, volunteered thousands of hours at ground zero.  Through these efforts, we obtained an actual beam from the World Trade Center for a memorial here in Sussex County.

      The monument features an actual beam  recovered from the World Trade Center - Ground Zero.  The monument has a pentagonal shaped granite base.  One side is inscribed Sept. 11, 2001.  The other four sides depict the flight numbers of the planes that were hijacked that day.   The Monument stands a total of 9 feet 11 inches tall.  The beam is featured rising up out of rubble-like granite.  Three flag poles were erected behind the memorial for the United States Flag, the New Jersey State Flag and the flag for the County of Sussex.  A sign will be posted near the monument providing a description of its symbolism and the story behind the Sussex County 9/11 Memorial.

     The monument has been erected on the campus of the Sussex County Community College where it can be easily visited and frequently seen by County residents.  Hopefully, it will also serve as a thoughtful reminder to students at the college about the history and significance of September 11, 2001.

      "It is our hope that the monument will not only serve as a fitting memorial for what was lost on that tragic day but also that the centerpiece of the memorial - the steel beam from the World Trade Center - will serve to remind us of the steel of the American resolve."

     The cost of this memorial has been covered solely upon private donations.  The PBA is keeping the fund open for both the future care and maintenance of the Memorial and also to help offset the costs associated with memorial wreath laying ceremonies that we intend to hold each anniversary of September 11.  If you would like to contribute, please make checks payable to 9/11 Monument Fund and send to the following address:

9/11 Monument Fund

P.O. Box 520

Andover, New Jersey 07821

Tax ID# 22-3657421 Federally tax-exempt charitable organization

described in section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     Any questions, please contact Chief Michael Richards at the Newton Police Department (973-383-2525) or e-mail Contact the Sussex County PBA

Thanks for your support and assistance.