The sounds of bagpipes opened the 12th  annual Essex County Remembers 9/11 Memorial Ceremony today at Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange. The presentation of colors by the Essex County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard was followed by  the National Anthem performed by Arlette

Among this year’s speakers were  Susan Rossinow, wife of Norman S. Rossinow,  Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura and  Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr,  Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno presented the flag to the Robertson Family, parents of Donald Robertson, Jr.

As the memorial wreaths were placed,  Arlette sang  “One September Morn,” a song  she wrote in 2002 and has performed at every ceremony since.

See a slideshow of the memorial service below:

From the poem “12th Anniversary of 9-11-01” by Patricia B. Schoeler:

Our loved ones have not died in vain, of that you can be assured
Living on forever in our thoughts and prayers, their memories have endured
At this wonderful memorial we gather together year after year
To remember them all as we pray and shed a tear.