ABSECON — On Monday, more than 100 students from Attales Middle School visited the 9/11 Memorial on Mill Road to participate in a remembrance ceremony on the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

During the service, students heard from first responders from Absecon who were called to action on the morning of Sept. 11, including City Councilwoman Betty Howell, as well as fellow students, who shared stories from their family members who were directly linked to that tragic morning. 

Eighth-grader Carol Hargrove shared the perspective of her aunt who was in New York City on her way to work when the plane hit the World Trade Center's North Tower. She talked about the fear, confusion and devastation that her aunt felt as the tragedy unfolded.

Dylan Saganiec, also an eighth-grade student, spoke about his mother, a volunteer firefighter in northern New Jersey who responded to help evacuate lower Manhattan.

"We are told that true heroes are people who risk themselves for others," Dylan said.

Lynn Caterson, a founding member of the city's committee to have the 9/11 memorial constructed, explained the significance of each part of the memorial, including the beam that sits in its center, salvaged from the 39th floor of the South Tower.

In addition to the speakers, Attales Band Director Mr. David Seals performed the national anthem and TAPS on the trumpet, and the middle school choir, under the direction of Ms. Elena Castillo, performed "God Bless America."