On Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 7:05pm, the Metuchen community came together for a Candlelight Ceremony in observance of Patriot Day at Freedom Plaza. The heartfelt ceremony was be led by representatives of the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce, Metuchen Police Dept., Metuchen Fire Dept., Metuchen EMS, and members of the clergy. The event remembers the fallen heroes of September 11, 2001 especially the men and women that called Metuchen and nearby towns their home. Several individuals rendered their remarks throughout the program including Chief Rob Donnan of the Metuchen Fire Department; David Glasofer of the Metuchen Area Chamber of Commerce; Mayor Thomas Vahalla; Capt. Rob Rentenberg of the Metuchen Police Department; Metuchen EMS Chief of Operations Warren Brooks; and Pastor Greg McFarren of the Metuchen Assembly of God.

The invocation was presented by the Rev. Mark McCreary of the Second Baptist Church and songs were rendered by Donald Claussen of Reformed Church of Metuchen and Kristy Timms from the Metuchen High School. Rob Donnan gave the closing remarks with Frank Capron playing Amazing Grace on the pipe.

The Freedom Plaza Memorial in Metuchen reflects the statewide mosaic of family and friendship. Each of the 701 New Jersey residents who perished on September 11, 2001, at either the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, or in western Pennsylvania are listed on the memorial. A special notation marks the names of Metuchen and Edison residents – many of whom passed through our station that day.

The Freedom Plaza Memorial was erected as a place for reflection, remembrance, and affirmation. The Verdin Clock, which is the centerpiece for the memorial, represents a time for healing. Join us as we remember all those lost on that day. Small tributes of an individual flower or American flag would be welcomed.