This eloquent, magnificent memorial at Eagle Rock Reservation County Park in
West Orange, New Jersey by sculptor and architectural designer, Patrick Morelli,
sits high upon a cliff overlooking one of nature's most breath-taking views of
the Manhattan skyline and the former site of the Twin Towers. Poised below, and
lined beneath a backdrop of blue sky is a 120-foot granite wall containing the
over 3000 names, ages, and hometowns or foreign countries of all those lost on
September 11th, 2001 in the attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the
four airline flights.
In addition, to honor those lost from Essex County, a special monumental, bronze
book lies open which contains their names. One name was deleted from the list
after the gentlemen was found alive. The empty slot now symbolizes the
confusion of that day, September 11th. In front of the open pages of this book
stands a bronze statue of a beautiful little girl. She is innocence, the
innocence of thousands of American children who became father-less or
mother-less on that day. The innocents who were lost onboard the planes heading
for vacations in Disneyland and the like. Here there is sadness, yet nobility
and inspiration to renew and to rebuild.
This nobility, a quality of all Americans, is further strengthened by the symbol
of American Freedom, the Eagle, flying high. It appears to be flying from NYC
with a message of strength, courage and conviction for all Americans. That
courage is magnified by the presence of a NYC Police cap and Fire Department
helmet to the right and left. No one can forget their great courage and the
courage of all that day! God Bless America and our Families!
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