MILLVILLE
-- It was a day of reflection, tears and hope as the City of Millville
remembered the events of 9/11.
Two city fire engines parked face to face on Buck Street, their ladders
drawn up to raise a large American flag toward the sky, while members of
Millville's police and fire departments were dressed in formal attire and
stood with solemn faces.
They faced community members, many wearing patriotic colors as they
clutched miniature flags and listened closely to personal tributes that
were delivered here Saturday at Joseph Buck Riverfront Park to commemorate
the third anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2, used his keynote address to recall his
initial reaction to the tragedy.
"When the news hit, the emotions just ran wild with disbelief,
fear, hurt, anger and rage that I felt welling up," said LoBiondo,
who also used his speech to highlight the sacrifice of Thomas Walkup Jr.,
a Millville resident and Air Force staff sergeant who was killed in a
helicopter crash during the war on terrorism in Afghanistan that followed
9/11.
"We have a lot to be grateful for -- the first response was
unbelievable heroism," the congressman said. "We think about
Staff Sgt. Thomas Walkup, who was on special services and had a duty to
respond."
Saturday's ceremony also recognized the dedication of police, fire and
rescue personnel.
"It was really a moving tribute," said Millville resident Jim
Stotler, "to be able to show our gratitude for the ones
involved."
Originally published September 13, 2004
