Morris County to Hold 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony with Guest Speaker, U.S. Marine Veteran Nick De Gregorio

The Public is Invited to Attend the 22nd Anniversary Ceremony at Morris County 9/11 Memorial in Parsippany-Troy Hills on September 10, 2023

Morristown, NJ – The Morris County Board of County Commissioners is inviting residents to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Morris County 9/11 Memorial on West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Who Is Speaking and Why?

The keynote address for this solemn occasion will be delivered by Nick De Gregorio, a U.S. Marine veteran who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. De Gregorio was motivated to enlist after experiencing the 9/11 attacks as a 16-year-old high school student just 12 miles away from Ground Zero. His nine-year service includes four deployments into combat zones.

The Importance of the Morris County 9/11 Memorial

Constructed to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost during the attacks—including 64 Morris County residents—the memorial features engraved names in ruby-colored paving stones and individual brass plates for each local victim. The design incorporates steel from the World Trade Center, remnants of United Airlines Flight 93, and soil from the Pentagon.

The memorial is circled by a pool of water and a walkway, leading to four bridges and a central island. A plaque at the site explains the symbolism behind each design element, such as the concrete blocks representing the foundations of family, relationships, and community, and the water symbolizing healing and rebirth.

“The concrete blocks at the base of the steel represent the foundations of our lives: family, relationships and community. The recurring, circular forms on the site signify the continuance of life. The water surrounding the memorial symbolizes healing and rebirth. The island on which the steel beams stand and the connecting bridges suggest the blending of ethnic, cultural and spiritual differences. The flowers beneath the concrete blocks represent life and hope, reminding us that with the passing of time comes healing, peace and resolve.” - Morris County 9/11 Memorial

What You Need to Know if Attending

Given limited seating at the memorial, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the outdoor observance. Parking will be available at the Morris County Department of Human Services building at 340 West Hanover Ave. Shuttle buses will be offered for those requiring assistance to reach the memorial.

Police, fire departments, and rescue squads from across the county are also invited to join the commemoration. Departments are requested to send one apparatus and to assemble at 4:30 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Academy, located at 500 West Hanover Ave., in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Reflecting on a Solemn Occasion

The 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony provides a moment for Morris County residents to come together to honor those lost and to reflect on the continuing impact of that tragic day. Through shared commemoration, the community finds strength in unity and resolve.