25 Years .911 Remembrance

Mount Olive Township held a heartfelt and solemn 9/11 memorial ceremony, honoring the courage, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication of first responders and community heroes. The event brought together residents, dignitaries, and first responders to pay tribute to those who serve and remember the fallen.
The ceremony featured a moving series of prayers led by Pastor Matt Jones and Chaplain Bruce Gallagher, along with heartfelt prayers from firefighters and EMS personnel. The community gathered with reverence as honor guard members ny the Mount Olive Police Department, bagpiper Robert Herzog, and AFJROTC cadets under the direction of ROBERT S. BEDELL, CMSgt (Ret.), USAF AFJROTC Senior Aerospace Science Instructor
opened the event with dignity and pride and the National Anthem sung by Jack Scari.
Mount Olive’s Mayor, Joe Nicastro, welcomed attendees and recognized local dignitaries, setting the tone for a deeply meaningful occasion. Speakers included Mayor Nicastro, Deputy Director John Krickus, former Mayor Paul Licitra, former Councilman Ray Perkins, Council President Alex Roman, Heather Darling, Morris County Surrogate, Assemblyman Mike Inganamort, the Mount Olive Council .
A highlight of the ceremony was the introduction of guest speaker Jim LoFaso, a distinguished retired NYFD lieutenant. Born in Queens in 1962, Jim’s career spanned more than three decades of heroic service, including responding to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. His experiences also include major disaster responses such as Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Jim’s dedication and bravery exemplify the true spirit of service.
Following his moving remarks, Nico Longhi, Congressional Advisor, performed the Veterans Affairs Flag Dedication, symbolizing respect and remembrance for our veterans and fallen heroes. And reading a letter by Congressman Ton Kean. The event concluded with Mayor Nicastro expressing gratitude and appreciation, followed by a soulful rendition of “Amazing Grace” by 15-year-old Yireh Sastre with a closing benediction prayer by Pastor Kody Vagle.
A poignant flower-laying ceremony honored 25 fallen heroes, with children and adults placing flowers on the memorial, each flower representing a year that has passed since that tragic day.
The community’s resilience and unity shone brightly, as residents, first responders, and leaders paid tribute to those who have given so much. The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors Byrnes Electric, Schaible’s Plumbing and Heating, Holiday Inn of Budd Lake, HTV Media Production, and the dedicated first responders from our community. Special thanks also go to Congressman Tom Kean and Nico Longhi for the presentation of flags that were flown over the capital.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET !