TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College President Dr. Pamela Monaco spoke at the college’s 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony, drawing attention to the eerie similarities between the two days precisely 23 years apart. Both were warm, clear, and filled with bright sunlight. But, as Monaco pointed out, there was a stark difference.
As Monaco recited the numbers who perished in the tragedies of that fatal day in 2001, she added remembrances for those who have since died from illnesses related to the terrorist attack. Monaco also recalled the shared unity of a nation that stood together in the face of danger, adversity, and strife.
“Today, as we each reflect upon what September 11 means to us individually, I hope we can also recommit ourselves to that sense of community and care,” implored Monaco. “And aspire to be in some small way, like the heroes and helpers whose stories continue to live on from that day.”
“We honor these people and our past by preserving those memories,” Monaco continued. “And by carrying their spirit with us into the future, into spaces of learning, reflection and renewal.”
Many of those attending the college’s remembrance ceremony were either too young or not yet born when the 9-11 attacks happened. Justin Pfeifer, a history lecturer at the college, spoke at the event and mentioned how the passage of time impacts people differently. Like many who witnessed the tragedy unfold, Pfeifer clearly remembered where he was when he first heard the news. At the time, he was a student in a high school art class.
“Generations come and generations go, and with the advancing years, the spirit of 9-11 becomes a historical event rather than a shared memory of lived experiences,” said Pfeifer.
As a historian, Pfiefer did a quick run-through of changes in national politics and international relations that occurred as a result of the 9-11 attacks. He referenced the subsequent war on terror, the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the geopolitical battles that have continued.
Pfiefer also acknowledged that the sense of unity in the immediate aftermath of 9-11 has waned over time. He said that younger generations are much less likely to describe the post 9-11 era as anything united. Pfeifer urged attendees to honor the memories of the victims and heroes through education, memorials, storytelling, and acts of unity.
Among the stirring moments of the ceremony were soulful renditions of the National Anthem and “America the Beautiful” delivered by Dr. Alfred Parchment. Barnegat resident and OCC student Sara Riccardelli, Class of 2025, read a moving poem during the ceremony.
Dressed in her Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform, Riccardelli said she felt a deep connection to 9-11, which made her reading even more poignant. Though she wasn’t yet born, her father, a North Jersey EMT, had rushed to Ground Zero to help with the rescue efforts.
The ceremony concluded with the placing of 27 flags around a memorial wreath in honor of the victims and those still suffering from illnesses related to the attacks. Local dignitaries, including State Senator Carmen Amato, Assemblyman Greg Myhre, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, were among those in attendance.
From Twin Towers To Toms River
After the remembrance ceremony, OCC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of its renovated library. The transformation includes enhanced study areas, collaboration spaces, and modern technology, creating a welcoming environment for students and staff.
A permanent 9-11 tribute is now housed in the library, featuring a segment of steel from the World Trade Center. The memorial also lists the names of Ocean County residents who perished in the attacks, offering a place of reflection and honor for the community.
The late Dr. Richard Trimble, who was a history professor at the college, arranged for the college’s acquisition of the piece of steel from the World Trade Center.
“I am so pleased that we are able to use this beautiful new space to establish a permanent home for our tribute to Ocean County residents and a place of honor for Dr. Trimble’s legacy here at Ocean County College,” shared Monaco. “As this space fills with students, teachers and staff, each of them will be able to see and appreciate Professor Trimble’s contribution to this college and to our community.”
Ocean County Commissioner Director Barbara “Bobbi Jo” Crea, who participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony, said that she couldn’t help but feel the positive future in the newly upgraded library. She and Sadeghi presented a proclamation in recognition of the benefits the revitalized library will provide for OCC students and for the greater Ocean County community.
“It is so much more than brick and mortar,” Crea said. “The library provides a sense of adventure, a source of relaxation, educational opportunities, a comfort zone, and the ability to expand our horizons in so many different ways.”
Members of Ocean County College’s Board of Trustees attended both ceremonies at the college. Several Ocean County department heads were also at the library’s ribbon cutting.
