By Pam Teel
The Monroe Township Chorus consists of seniors from different senior complexes in Monroe who share a love for singing and a patriotism to their country, putting on several free concerts during the calendar year. The ensemble consists of approximately 63 senior members who perform together to commemorate and bring attention to certain worthwhile causes such as our War Veterans here in the States. The focus of this concert is to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11. The free concert will take place at the Monmouth County Library, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, on Sunday September 11th at 2:00 pm. No tickets are required. The Chorus felt it was only right to reflect and remember that heartbreaking day when all of those lives were lost. In addition to the concert, the Chorus will also participate in the annual Monroe Township 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Monday evening, September 12th, at 6:00 pm at the Monroe Township Memorial Tree Park on Prospect Plains Road. Some Monroe residents have had their life changed forever on the fateful day in 2001. Below is a tribute to their loved one. The sculpture standing at the Memorial Park to honor the fallen was designed by Blaise Batko. The symbols used in the design of this sculpture reflect the events that touched all of our lives on September 11, 2001. The nine black granite panels signify the month of September. The panels are carved to symbolize the New York City skyline. The date of eleven is symbolized by the black walkways. These same walkways represent the shadows of the missing World Trade Center Buildings in the New York City skyline. The white sidewalk is in the shape of the Pentagon. The two flagpoles remind us that the United States is a strong nation that has risen up from this tragedy and remains indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Two Monroe Township residents were lost at the Twin Towers site: Mr. Vincent Gallucci is survived by his wife Barbara and his children, Joe and Alyssa. Mr. Joseph M. Giaccone is survived by his wife Sondra and his children, Alex and Max. On September 11, 2001, the lives of these Monroe Township families were also changes forever: Mrs. Margaret Fallon lost her son William Fallon. Mr. & Mrs. Jay Harris lost their son Stewart D. Harris. Mr. & Mrs. Sherman Lillianthal lost their son Steve B. Lillianthal Mrs. Dorothy Rothenberg lost her son Mark D. Rothenberg. Mr. & Mrs. Donald Weiner lost their son Jeffrey D. Weiner. Mrs. Susan Cohen lost her brother John G. Chipura Mr. Donald Palisay lost his brother Sal Fiumefreddo Mr. & Mrs. James K. Samuel lost their son James K. Samuel, Jr. May God Bless them all as we approach the 9/11 anniversary of this tragedy.