FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 12, 2025
CONTACT:
Derek Sands
DSands@BergenCountyNJ.gov
BERGEN COUNTY COMMEMORATES 24TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11
Pays tribute to 147 Bergen County residents lost in attacks, honors first responders
LEONIA, NJ — Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III and the Bergen County Board of Commissioners hosted a solemn remembrance ceremony in honor of the 24th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Bergen County 9/11 Monument in Overpeck County Park- Henry Hoebel Area.
September 11, 2001, claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent souls, including 147 Bergen County residents. It was also the deadliest day in America for our first responders, and lives continue to be claimed by the attacks, as those who volunteered at Ground Zero are now suffering from 9/11-related health conditions due to the toxic dust and chemicals released by the collapse of the Twin Towers.
On this day, the County of Bergen recognizes the innocent lives lost in the attacks, the bravery of our first responders and volunteers, and the renewed sense of community that followed.
County Executive Tedesco issued remarks reminiscing on the day, honoring the first responders who answered the call, and commending our nation’s resilience:
“On this anniversary, I recall my own experience as a volunteer firefighter responding to the attacks on our homeland. I remember the fellow brothers and sisters I lost, and the countless first responders who continue to suffer from PTSD and 9/11-related illnesses due to the poison they were exposed to that day,” said County Executive Tedesco. “We must continue to share the stories of that day, and of the resilience that followed. What was meant to weaken and divide us only strengthened us as Americans, and we must continue to live every day with that same compassion and community.”
A reading of the names of the 147 Bergen County victims followed, read by Bergen County Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan M. Voss, Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chairman Steven A. Tanelli, Bergen County Commissioner Germaine M. Ortiz, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, Bergen County Clerk John Hogan, as well as the family members of two Bergen County victims: Richard Rosenthal and Sal E. Tieri, Jr.
The tolling of the bell after each name was performed by Deputy County Administrator Kenneth R. Ehrenberg and Leonia Fire Department Chief John B. Dunn.
The reading of the names was accompanied by an orchestral performance by Tenafly High School students, Jiahn Hong and Christina Kim. As the names were read, flowers were laid around the memorial by River Edge Girl Scouts Dhimahi Jajal of Troop 98316 and Vaanya Chamadiya of Troop 98515.
Reverend Dwayne Jackson of Bergenfield, president of the Bergen County Council of Churches, delivered an invocation, and Imam Saeed Qureshi of Daurl Islah in Teaneck delivered a benediction.
Congresswoman Nellie Pou (NJ-9) addressed the audience. Closing remarks were delivered by Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Mary Amoroso.
The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, a performance of “Taps” by Corporal Robert Krupinski, and a performance of “Amazing Grace” by Brandan Hogan of the Bergen Irish Pipe Band.
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