Toms River's Sept. 11 Memorial Service Sunday

September 11 Memorial Ceremony will be held on Sunday, September 11 at 9 a.m. on the corner of Robbins and Washington streets. 

Ron Weingroff, who oversees the ceremony, spoke about its history and plans for this year’s memorial.

Weingroff said Toms River’s September 11 service is expected to be one of the largest in Ocean County.  hosts the memorial service. 

“We don’t just honor the firemen,” Weingroff said. “We honor all that passed away.”

Participants in previous years included the National Guard, marching bands, clergy members, local and state officials, high school students, and other community members.

Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields, of Congregation B’nai Israel, and other religious leaders will give the benediction this year.

“Ten years later, the world is completely changed,” Fields said. “I grew up able to see the Trade Center from my parents’ window. Part of my childhood was taken away. That’s the same for a lot of people,” she said.

Bob Keltgen, a member of National White Dove Release Society, will set free 35 doves at the memorial ceremony.

“This is to show our appreciation for people who gave their lives for 9/11,” Keltgen said.

Toms River September 11 Memorial Ceremony, four years ago, sparked a state-wide movement for increasing funding to victims of the September 11 attacks, Weingroff said. 

“It was the speakers at our ceremony that got (then) Governor Corzine to push for more relief for victims,” Weingroff said.

Weingroff said Toms River residents who worked on the rescue and repairs at ground zero have experienced illnesses as a result.

“We’ve had construction workers who’ve gotten sick from being at ground zero,” he said.

Chaplain-Chief Richard Beck will give the benediction for the Toms River Fire Company. In the event of bad weather, the ceremony will be held in Town Hall.