SCCC marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with remembrance ceremony
Newton. Sussex County Community College and PBA Local 138 marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks Friday with a remembrance ceremony honoring the nearly 3,000 people who died and the first responders who served during the tragedy.
| 11 Sep 2026 | 12:30
SCCC and PBA Local 138 bring the community together for the 25th Remembrance Ceremony. (
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Newton Police Department, Fire Department, VFW Post 5360, and Emergency Medical Services share in the ceremony. (
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Newton Police Department, Fire Department, VFW Post 5360, and Emergency Medical Services share in the ceremony. (
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Det. Peter Vex share his final words during the conclusion of the ceremony. (
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Col. Dave Melendez Jr., a member of the FDNY, reflects on what we need to strive for as Americans. (
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Sussex County Community College and PBA Local 138 marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks Friday with a remembrance ceremony at the college’s 9/11 Memorial on Connor Green.
The Sept. 11 ceremony brought together firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, veterans, students, faculty, staff and area residents to remember the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks and honor the first responders who answered the call.
The ceremony began with a drill and ceremonial entrance by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, accompanied by the Police Pipes & Drums of Morris County.
Detective David Perez of the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office served as master of ceremonies and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Newton High School Choir performed the national anthem.
SCCC President Cory Homer welcomed attendees and reflected on the importance of coming together to remember those who died, honor first responders and preserve the lessons of Sept. 11, 2001, for future generations.
Col. Dave Melendez Jr., a member of the New York City Fire Department and Army National Guard, delivered the keynote address. He reflected on the tragedy of the attacks and the unity and sense of shared responsibility that emerged in the days that followed.
“Our American flags were everywhere on Sept. 12,” Melendez said. “It wasn’t just what the flag represented, it was what the flag represented at that moment. We remembered that we belonged to one another.”
Melendez recalled how people checked on neighbors, strangers helped strangers and communities supported service members, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel and families who had lost loved ones.
He encouraged those attending to carry that spirit of unity and service into their everyday lives.
“Citizenship means standing up when something is wrong and stepping forward when someone needs help,” Melendez said. “Freedom isn’t simply something we inherit; it is something temporarily entrusted to us.”
Representatives of the Newton Police Department, Newton Fire Department, Newton VFW Post 5360 and Newton Emergency Medical Services participated in a wreath-laying ceremony honoring those who lost their lives and the first responders who demonstrated courage and selflessness.
Bugles Across America performed “Taps,” providing a moment of reflection.
Det. Peter Vex of PBA Local 138 delivered the dismissal remarks.
