Dedications for the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11 were shared by almost every community throughout the United States yesterday. Ocean Grove, a place of healing and a place of prayer, shared their Remembrance Memorial with over 6,000 people in attendance yesterday, 9/11/2011.
Empty Shoe Memorial in Ocean Grove
The Empty Shoe Memorial, sponsored by Star 99.1 radio station, was displayed in Auditorium Park since Thursday, September 8, 2011. 2,974 shoes and 4 pair of boots were collected to represent the lives lost on 911 at the World Trade Center. These shoes were collected from as far north as Brooklyn, New York and into the state of New Jersey, ending in Wall Township. The memorial drew hundreds, if not thousands, of people who came to pay their respects and remember.
Red Flower dedication in Ocean Grove
At one o’clock in the afternoon on 911, a dedication of flowers by residents from Embury Avenue in Ocean Grove. Red carnations and other flowers were thrown into the ocean as a quiet expression of sharing in the grief of families who lost their loved ones on 911 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania.
Ocean Grove Beach
Later, at 7:30 in the evening, September 11th Remembrance Service was shared by the faithful in the Great Auditorium, as an offering of love, faith, and hope in our Country. The motto of the evening was “We will never forget . . . but we will always have hope.”
Inside the Great Auditorium
The National Anthem was played by the 9/11 Orchestra and sung by the Auditorium Choir. The Memorial Message was given by Reverend Dan Schafer, Ground Zero Chaplain. Choral Anthem sung by the Newark Boys Choir. A ‘Message of Hope’ was given by Reverend Dr. Deforest Soaries, the former NJ Secretary of State in 2001.
Red Carnations float in the ocean at Ocean Grove
Everyone who spoke last evening in the Great Auditorium had started their day early in the morning at Ground Zero for the four-hour dedication of the names of the lives lost on 911. All of the guest dignitaries shared the same comments about Ocean Grove: they were happy to end their day in this great structure, in a place of healing and a place of prayer.
The Auditorium seats approximately 6,400 people for church services and Saturday evening concerts during the summer season. Almost every seat in the Auditorium was taken by people who came to pray and hear words of healing.
Remembrance Service
In 1869, Ocean Grove was founded on the simple principle of enriching the lives of people who come to the shore for religion and relaxation. While in Ocean Grove, you are always surrounded by people of prayer and people who praise God.
If you’re looking for a place to have a quiet, peaceful vacation, Ocean Grove will surely suit your needs and heal your hurts.
Photos by Patricia Florio and Diane Edwards ©2011 All Rights Reserved
