9/11 Ceremony Stirs Emotions

Emotional memories came to the surface Saturday when the South Plainfield community remembered those who lost their lives in the attack nine years ago that brought down the World Trade Center.

The ceremony, sponsored UNICO, attracted public officials, members of the volunteer fire department, members of the police department, and representatives from the American Legion, and the public.

UNICO President Anthony Bengivenga choked back tears as he spoke of losing a loved one in the towers that day.  Other speakers included the mayor, Council President Matt Anesh who lost co-workers in one of the towers, past UNICO President Renato Biribin, and former American Legion Commander Dick Frank.

Councilman Robert Bengivenga, Jr., a member of UNICO, served as emcee and presented a specially designed U.S. flag that contains the names of all those who lost their lives that day.  The flag now flies at the Firemen's Memorial.

Guests included Councilmembers Tim McConville, Christine Butueas, and Ray Rusnak, as well as Board of Education members Debbie Boyle and Bill Seesselberg.