Springfield Officials Commemorate 9/11 Anniversary

The most recent Springfield Township Committee meeting coincided with the eleventh anniversary of September 11. 

As that event had devastating and lasting effects nationally and locally, Springfield officials marked the anniversary by starting the Committee meeting with a prayer and a remembrance. 

 Minister Victoria Ney read a non denominational prayer asking God for healing and peace. 

"Give us peace, your Shalom," she said. 

Following the prayer, elected officials made brief comments on the significance of the day.  Committee member Rich Huber, who spoke first, recounted his  of escaping from inside the World Trade Center during the attacks. His normally sonorous voice became shaky as he spoke. 

"I was there that day," Huber said. "It's hard for me to talk about. I lost a friend in town."

He wished that the anniversary of the tragedy could turn into an opporunity for civility and new friendships.

"Take time out today or tomorrow," he said. "Help a stranger. Shake their hand." 

Mayor Ziad Shehady read a proclamation commemorating the day.