The makings of a 9/11 memorial

The proposal for a 9/11 Memorial Park on the front lawn of the West Milford municipal building was proposed by a local businessman who, to this day, remains anonymous by his choice.

The resident reportedly saw it as a way to unite the community at a time of great sorrow, seeing an immediate need to do something so that people would not forget the brutal attack on the nation and its people.

The businessman moved ahead with plans for a memorial and secured necessary approvals and support from township officials who honored the man’s wish to not have his name and contributions to create the park known.

The quiet sanctuary in the midst of the local bustling business district was completed in 2002 in time for the first observance of the attack on the nation. It remains there to remember the people who were killed and injured in the brutal attack and to recognize the West Milford first responders who spent months cleaning up and doing the work needed at the disaster scene in New York City.

A tear drop-shaped stone and benches bearing names of those killed, along with flower beds, are all part of the scene. Since 2002 there has been an annual observance at the memorial site. The donor said he could not have done the project without extreme generosity from the business community and school children who donated their pennies to buy the memorial benches.

Two steel beams from the destroyed World Trade Center towers were installed at the park nine years later, along with a paver walkway. The beams form a frame around a carved piece of stainless steel and glass representing an eternal flame. The work was done by volunteer tradesmen, with materials for the walkway donated by a local business.

While the businesspeople were working on the project, many people stopped by and expressed their appreciation to them for creating the park and they shared grief over the attack. A mother, whose son’s remains were not recovered, said she is thankful for a place to meditate and think of him. Some asked if they knew anyone killed in the attack. The anonymous businessman responded that he did. He said anyone could have been a victim that day. He asked that the 9/11 park always remain as a place to reflect, meditate and never forget the attack on the nation and those who died.