Steel Tridents Salvaged from the World Trade Center Honor Victims and Heroes of 9/11
WEEHAWKEN, NJ – The crowd of more than 200 people that gathered on the banks of the Hudson River in Weehawken, N.J. on Wednesday, September 7th, included many important dignitaries, from local mayors to legislators to Attorney General Paula T. Dow. But it was two pieces of steel that served as the center of attention.
The massive steel tridents salvaged from the World Trade Center site rest above an infinity pool in Weehawken’s Port Imperial development and stretch majestically skyward, against the backdrop of the Hudson River and New York City skyline. Weehawken Mayor Richard F. Turner unveiled them on Wednesday as part of the city’s official 9/11 memorial.
“These steel tridents – two of the 13 that survived the wreckage – will forever symbolize the connection between Weehawken and the World Trade Center,” Mayor Turner said, referencing the five residents who lost their lives in the attacks and the many others who came to the waterfront to help victims who were evacuated from Lower Manhattan.
“More than 60,000 people were evacuated to Weehawken on that day. Volunteers brought food and water and came together in a time of need. Most Americans will always be able to look back and remember where they were on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. Weehawken residents will remember more clearly where they were that afternoon.”
Attorney General Dow spoke on behalf of Governor Chris Christie, praising communities like Weehawken that grew stronger in the face of a tragedy. Other dignitaries, such as U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-13) and State Sen. Brian P. Stack, spoke on behalf of their constituencies. Members of the Weehawken Fire Department, Weehawken Police Department and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey were also on hand.
Mayor Turner wound down the ceremony by reading the names of all five Weehawken residents who perished on 9/11. A bell tolled after each name was read and a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace”. The Weehawken High School Marching Band concluded the ceremony on a less somber note with its rendition of “God Bless America”.
The memorial was constructed by Roseland Property Company, the Master Developer of Port Imperial, which also built the riverfront walkway as part of its public/private development partnership with the City of Weehawken.
Construction of the memorial began in April at no cost to taxpayers. The two 8’ x 30’, 50,000-pound tridents were salvaged by the Port Authority and donated to Weehawken shortly after plans for the memorial were approved. The area surrounding the memorial will be a pocket park where people can enjoy the riverfront breeze or sit and reflect on the events of 9/11.
“Weehawken will forever be linked to the rescue efforts of 9/11,” Mayor Turner said. “We will remember this site as a place where people came together to help other people.”
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