Almost 100 area residents came out to show their pride in the American flag on the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the country. The group of veterans, families, men, women, and children from all walks of life showed the diversity of the community and unity in their support for the country.

At the event, Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried reiterated the importance of the flag saying "it is the first thing you are given when you are sworn in to become a citizen, and the last thing when a member of the military pays the ultimate sacrifice."

Speaking before the group, Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4) honored the first responders who "ran up into the buildings to save lives" after the World Trade Center was struck by planes. He also remembered those who suffered serious, even fatal, illnesses as a result of their brave acts. Smith also said he remembered that almost every roadway overpass in the state donned a flag following September 11th. 

Local veteran Mel Boyce spoke to the crowd about the meaning of the red, white and blue in the flag.  According to the American Legion, the white stripes signify purity and innocence; the red stripes stand for hardiness and valor; and the blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

The group walked together, many waving flags, to the Turnpike overpass on West Manor Way to rehang two American Flags.  While doing so, numerous trucks and cars on the roadway below honked their horns in solidarity. 

The Friday event at Community Park was organized by Robbinsville Township and the Robbinsville PBA local #344 after public outcry when flags were removed from the fences on overpasses by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. 

Governor Phil Murphy quickly stopped the flag removal saying “I think we should be proud of our flag at every step,” Murphy noted. “I stand with the flag.”

PHOTO: Robbinsville Mayor, Council Members, PBA #344 and Congressman Chris Smith.
(Credit Elizabeth Meyers)