Video: Ten Years Later, 'Cranford Remembers' 9/11 With Memorial Service

Ten years after Cranford learned that six of its residents had lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the families of the victims joined members of the community to reflect on the tragedy and "outpouring of love and generosity" that has been present throughout the past decade.

Standing before the large monument comprised of six columns to represents the local vistims, Jerry Dobbins, chairman of the Cranford World Trade Center Memorial Committee, spoke of the community spirit that helped make the memorial possible.

"It is a symbol that when we stand together with each other and work together, we can accomplish anything," Dobbins said as he choked back tears, glancing at the monuments which bears the words, "September 11, 2001; Cranford Remembers."

Although the service was meant to honor the victims and their families, an underlying theme of the event was community spirit and the recent damage caused by Hurricane Irene which - much like 9/11 - brought the township together in a show of solidarity.

"We'd like to extend our prayers and support to those impacted by Irene," said Kelly Grady, wife of Christopher M. Grady, who was killed in the World Trade Center attacks. "There is no doubt, in the future, when we look back on these past two weeks, we will see the same strength and compassion that was afforded us in 2001, hard at work today in this beautiful community."

The Rev. John Christian Kile, the new pastor of the Presbyterian Church, also spoke of forgiveness. Kile remembers being at a pizzeria in Hoboken when he heard news of the Sept. 11 attacks.

"Faith, hope and love will win the day," he said.

Mayor Dan Aschenbach said the tragedy has, over the last 10 years, also taught us the importance of tolerance.

"We express our sympathy for those families who lost someone," the mayor said. "Our protection as a nation is our memory of what happened on Sept. 11."

This year's memorial service paid special attention to the children of the victims, who played a pivotal role in the ceremony. Allison Regan, Lauren, Jason and Matthew Snyder and Patrick Lynch al spoke about their fathers who died on Sept. 11 and of the days and months that followed the tragedy and the kindness shown to them by the cummunity. They told stories and shared memories of special times they shared before the World Trade Center collapsed at the hands of terrorists. Connor Regan and James Lynch paid tribute to the fallen by playing songs as residents reflected on the day and how the country has changed since 2001. 

The ceremony concluded as family members released white balloons and joined their fellow community members in singing "America the Beautiful."

Leaving the ceremony, family members of the victims crowded around the monument where photos, flowers, candles and small crosses had been placed near the plaques bearing the names of each victims. Residents hugged the families, offering words of encouragement and sympathetic smiles to let them know that although 10 years have passed, "Cranford remembers."