MORRIS COUNTY — The unveiling of the first trail blazes on the new September 11th National Memorial Trail, a 1,300-mile tribute to first responders and victims of the 9/11 attacks on our nation, was held over the weekend in Morris County, which lost 63 residents in the 2001 attacks.
Officials of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, in conjunction with the Morris County Park Commission, held a ceremony in Randolph to show off the new blazes on a section of Morris County’s Patriot’s Path, which serves as part of the route of the national trail.
Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana, Park Commission President Betty Cass-Schmidt, Randolph Mayor Christine Carey, and Sheriff James Gannon were among the dignitaries who participated in the event.
“Our vision for both this alliance and the memorial trail is to unite fellow Americans, trail enthusiasts, organizations, and the families of those lost in the attacks, and work together to make this a reality,” said Andy Hamilton, President of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.
“The trail is shaped as a triangle to forever connect these locations, and serves as a symbol of resiliency and character,” said David Brickley, Founder and President Emeritus of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.
Beginning in 2004, the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance was formed to establish a memorial trail that links both the planned and existing memorial sites dedicated to September 11th, including the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93 Memorial. The board currently consists of 12 members, each with their own unique tie to the cause.
In addition to linking the three national memorials, the continuous trail also passes through over 50 landmarks such as the Eastern Continental Divide, Delaware Water Gap, and Morristown National Historical Park, and is accessible to automobiles, hikers, and bikers.
“Morris County is proud to have the honor of unveiling the first blazes on this national trail that honors all of those who perished on September 11, 2001, and those who bravely responded to the attacks,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.
“We thank those who have put in incredible amounts of time and effort into making this trail not only something for people to enjoy, but also to continue to recognize the people and families impacted by the event,” said Dave Helmer, Executive Director of Morris County Park Commission.
Helmer attributed the Morris County’s prominent role in this initiative to the efforts of Russ Nee, Assistant Superintendent of Trails & Special Projects for the Park Commission, who serves on the board of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.
The September 11th Trail (Click here to see the map) runs through parts of New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. It employs existing trails, such as the Liberty Water Gap Trail, Patriots’ Path, and the Highlands Trail, and includes some areas specifically carved out for September 11th Trail.
For more information on the September 11th National Memorial Trail click here.
