Point Borough Remembers 9-11

A few, small voices began to sing. Little by little, more joined in. 

"God Bless America" wasn't on the program Sunday night.

But before long, the entire crowd of about 100 at Point Borough's 9-11 remembrance ceremony, some with candles in hand, erupted with an impromptu rendition of the patriotic standard after Mayor William Schroeder delivered his closing remarks. 

The gloomy, dark clouds and threat of rain at Community Park were in stark contrast to the words of hope that Schroeder spoke.

"As we reflect on the past, we're willing to move to the future," he said. "A future bright, secure and a future of great prosperity. A future with family, friends and community. Let us not forget the brave troops who are making it possible."

Other speakers struck a similar tone, one of honoring those lost and supporting one another.

"We're here to remember, we're here to honor, we're here to plea," said the Rev. Christian Schonberg of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in his invocation. "So Lord, we ask that you would bless those who protect us, even as we remember those who we lost on 9-11."

Poems were read by Scot Famous, exalted ruler of the Point Pleasant Elks No. 1698, and Borough Council President John J. McHugh Jr.

Wreaths were also dedicated and placed under the flag pole — its American flag flying at half-mast — beside the stage.

Schroeder recalled the day after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, when borough residents gathered at the Allan Block Community Grove Gazebo, just across the street from the park, to mourn.

"We as a community came together to give a great supporting hand to friends and family, and I thank you for coming out again tonight," Schroeder said.

The mayor also thanked the borough's emergency responders "for keeping us safe and tending to our every need in emergencies."

Borough residents said that they were pleased to see the community come together to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

"You've got young and old, everyone here," said Larry Goble.

Though the ceremony lifted his spirits, he admitted to carrying feelings of anger for those who committed the acts of violence in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania.

He said he was glad the borough was holding the ceremony, but that he is still emotional about the Sept. 11th attacks.

"I feel better that something's happening, but I'm still mad," he said.

Mary Gunsiorowski, a 12-year borough resident, said that she hoped more would have attended the ceremony, but attributed the off-and-on rain as a deterrent. 

"It was a very nice, solemn ceremony," she said. "I'd like to see more, but I think the rain held them off."

Gunsiorowski recalled being woken by a phone call from her son 10 years ago today.

He told her to turn on the news, which she did until she couldn't watch any longer. She went for a stroll on the boardwalk.

"It was a gorgeous day," she said. She looked around at people on the beach. "They didn't even know what happened."

Now, she said that she cries each year when the anniversary approaches. But she is not alone in mourning.

"Point Pleasant can be very patriotic," she said.