Peace Bell Committee

We will all remember where we were on September 11, 2001. This day has become an important day in American History. Our children’s children will learn how this day impacted the everyday lives of all. In remembrance of this event, Ridgefield Park declared September 11, 2002 Peace Day. 

A Fund Drive Nicknamed “Pennies for Peace” was Conducted with an Outstanding Result!

You raised enough money to have the Peace Bell placed in it's own special spot in Veteran's Park on September 11, 2003. A Peace Garden planted by Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts of Ridgefield Park is on the horizon for the next year.

Peace Bell Committee:

• Chairperson Kathleen Borkowski
• Carleen Alberque
• Maureen Gibbs
• Michele Lingle
• Tara O'Grady
• Mary O'Neill
• Sheila Sienicki
• Donna Williams
• Karen Fosdick
• Leo McGuire

With the generosity of the children as well as the people and businesses of Ridgefield Park the memory of those lost on September 11th have been honored while dedicating the future to peace in our world. The Peace Bell Memorial embodies those ideals.

The Ridgefield Park Police Honor Guard presented the colors at the ceremony in Veteran's Park. The Police Department, Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Corps attended the solemn event. Vice-Chair Maureen Gibbs (far left) was the Master of Ceremonies. The event was attended by hundreds of Village children as well as many of our residents.

Peace Day Proclamation:

To Commemorate the First Anniversary of the Terrorist Attack on America and to proclaim “Peace Day” in the Village of Ridgefield Park.

Whereas, on September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four civilian aircraft, crashing two into the World Trade Center in New York City, a third into the Pentagon outside of Washington, D.C., and a fourth into the countryside of Pennsylvania; and 

Whereas, thousands of innocent people, including Americans of every heritage and visitors to our shores were killed and injured as a result of these wicked and reprehensible attacks; and 

Whereas, these attacks were the deadliest assaults ever launched against the United States, and by targeting symbols of American strength and success, were clearly intended to intimidate our Nation and weaken its resolve;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, by the Village of Ridgefield Park that we extend our deepest condolences to the victims of these heinous ungodly actions, and especially the Hatton and Zinzi Families of Ridgefield Park, as well as to all other families and their friends; and

Be it Further Resolved, that we commend the heroic actions of the passengers and crews of the aircraft, the rescue workers, the volunteers, the local officials, and so many of the victims, themselves, who responded to these tragic events with courage, compassion, determination and skill; and  

Be it Further Resolved, that we thank those foreign leaders and individuals who have expressed solidarity with the United States in the aftermath of the attacks; and

Be it Further Resolved, that we support our President, his Cabinet, our Armed Forces, and Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies and Congress in their efforts to bring justice to the perpetrators of these attacks, and to their accomplices and sponsors; and

Be it Further Resolved, that we stand ready, with Governor McGreevey and his Administration to share whatever of our resources may be needed for the on-going recovery efforts, as well as with any agencies charged with the investigation of this mass murder and the apprehension of the responsible parties; and

Be it Further Resolved, that the Village of Ridgefield Park recognizes that achievement of liberty and justice for all peoples is the path to peace and that peace will enable all peoples to live together in harmony; and

Be it Further Resolved, that the Village of Ridgefield Park does so hereby proclaim September 11, 2002 as “PEACE DAY” in commemoration of the innocent victims and the intrepid heroes of the terrorists attack on the United States which took place on September 11, 2001; and  

Be it Further Resolved, that all persons within this municipality are urged to honor these victims by appropriate displays of our flag, and the wearing of red, white, and blue, and by attending the Peace Day Ceremony in Veterans Park, 7:30 PM, on Wednesday, September 11th.