9/11 Memorial, Eagle Rock, New Jersey

I spent part of today with two of my colleagues who are based in Newark. They took me out for a delicious breakfast before spending time in their home and with their adorable dog, Honey. A little later we had an outing to a 9/11 memorial that I’ve never heard of - Eagle Rock Reservation and 9/11 Memorial in Essex County, New Jersey.

The park overlooks Manhattan, and it was here that many nearby residents watched in horror the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, knowing that so many of their friends and neighbours who commuted to the city lost their lives that day.

There were numerous memorials in the park - one listing the names of the 33 crew members from United Airlines and American Airlines who were killed in the attacks. Another honoured those who were from the Emergency services. The 120 foot granite wall overlooking the city displays the names of all 3000 who lost their lives that day. The names of 58 local victims are engraved in a book of remembrance (top right picture).

The top left picture shows the memorial to the 350+ search and rescue dogs of 9/11. See Extra photo for the moving script that accompanies that memorial.

The picture at the top right shows three sculptures - the book of remembrance mentioned above and two others (script taken from the park leaflet)

Freedom: The 8-foot, bronze, life-size eagle has its wings spread in full flight and stands with a view toward Manhattan and the former site of the Twin Towers.

Gabriella: A life-size bronze sculpture of a young girl holding a teddy bear represents the more than 1,000 children who lost a parent, brother, sister, grandparent, or other family member in these tragedies. She reminds us that if these senseless acts had any meaning, it is to help rebuild the lives of these children and do all we can to fulfill the hopes and dreams of those who were lost.

Bottom left picture - overlooking Manhattan.

Bottom right picture - part of the wreckage of the Twin Towers, explanation in bottom middle picture.

For those of us working for an airline, especially for American or United, 9/11 is never far from our thoughts. This was a very moving but beautiful place to visit on such a beautiful day. It was good to be in the company of friends and fellow-crew members. I’m so glad I got to visit.