On September 11, 2001, our country was forever changed by a series of unprecedented events. That day, 2,973 people lost their lives in targeted attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and an open field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. In response to these despicable acts, thousands of acts of valor followed.As our shocked and grieving nation processed the events, a group of residents from Lower Makefield Township, who lost loved ones in the attacks, sought a way to honor their memories. Eighteen residents of Bucks County, including nine from Lower Makefield Township, were among those lost, representing the highest number of casualties in Pennsylvania. The 9/11 Memorial Garden of Reflection was created in Memorial Park on Woodside Road to honor them. This Memorial stands as both Bucks County's and Pennsylvania's official state 9/11 Memorial. Since its dedication in 2006, it has served as a community gathering and healing place.
On the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Garden of Reflection will host a morning ceremony to commemorate the tragic day by marking the chronological events. The ceremony will begin at 8:30 AM and conclude within an hour, followed by a period for reflection and visits to the memorial. Throughout the morning, a bell will mark each significant moment from that day.
Timeline:
- 8:30 AM: Ceremony begins with the tolling of the bell 9 times for the 9 victims from Lower Makefield Township
- 8:47 AM: Bell toll for the North Tower
- 9:03 AM: Bell toll for the South Tower
- 9:37 AM: Bell toll for the Pentagon
- After the Ceremony Portion: Visitors are invited to walk the grounds as the bells continue to toll in remembrance.
- 9:59 AM: Bell toll marking the collapse of the South Tower
- 10:07 AM: Bell toll for Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA
- 10:28 AM: Bell toll marking the collapse of the North Tower
The remainder of the day will provide a quiet time for remembrance as the community is invited to walk the memorial on a self-guided tour.
The nighttime "Remembrance in Light" ceremonies will be held on every 5th anniversary.