Tracks of Our Tears

From the onset of its concept just several days after the attack to the now 1500-mile-long route, the 9/11 National Memorial Trail (9/11 NMT) offers varied recreation including walking, hiking, cycling and handicap accessibility. It’s considered an active memorial, honoring those who gave their lives, designed as a triangle from the Pentagon (VA) to Flight 93 (PA) to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum (NY).

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is the largest environmental non-profit in the Americas. Founded in 1951, headquartered in Arlington, VA, the NJ branch offers members a variety of volunteer programs aimed to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends.

At the hike’s summit lookout vista, Eric Olsen, Director of Conservation Programs, took a moment to point out to the group the view of recently deconstructed Paulins Kill Dam, the removal of which frees up fish migration and clears toxic debris, just like the trail works to heal people as they hike through nature. When working on the dam plans, TNC noticed that the original trail route was near hazardous roads. The land preservation organization eventually was able to purchase the 42-acre Knowlton Township parcel in 2023, which helped in linking the existing Paulinskill Valley Trail to the 9/11 Trail, giving people a safe route further from the highway, hence creating a better restorative experience of nature. Bald Eagles nest nearby and frequent the area, even more so now that the dam removal has opened the now free-flowing river to more fish species. Ironically, the newly linked Paulinskill Valley Trail is number 11 in the network.

On the acquired land, there still existed part of a dilapidated, yet substantial, three-sided fireplace, the core of a farmhouse dating from the late 18th century that had been demolished. Local Hackettstown resident, Tony Russack, is a third-generation mason who loves his craft and frequently volunteers restoring local buildings that were erected pre-1900, using esoteric knowledge of traditional lime mortar techniques. He was asked to restore the chimney monument by TNC, unbeknownst of his deep connection to the cause.

Russack and Bruce Simmons had been friends since grade school football. Coincidentally this was not Russack’s first 9/11 Memorial for Simmons. A decade ago, he built a memorial stone with a piece of metal from the fallen tower, and Hackettstown High School renamed the walkway to the football field in Simmons’ memory.

Simmons’ sister Missy Simmons Albergato, who still resides in Hackettstown, said emphatically, after the ceremony, “Tony and I have remained close since Bruce’s death. Tony and Bruce were very good friends through high school and after. Tony has done so much in Hackettstown to remember Bruce.”

The restored fireplace monument now serves as the base for the memorial plaques. The garden installed around the monument was designed to signify the planes’ four attacks: two Redbud and two Maple trees, one in each corner, and open space for visitors to sprinkle wildflowers. The monument is poetic and moving in its age and weight, plus the triangular shape, warmth of the fireplace, and endurance serve as a perfect symbol of the love, strength and faith required to never forget 9/11. New England Aster Wildflowers for remembrance were in a basket for the guests to sprinkle in the garden in peace. Special thanks were given to Warren County Pollinator Protectors for the garden’s tree and plant installation done with Lily Mullock, Marketing Coordinator and Eliot Nagele, NJ Director of Lands, both of TNC. Not the latter’s everyday type of work, both concurred that they loved every minute of the project, and that literally digging in with the final touches of the garden was rewarding. The last plants went in the ground already in bloom only days before the unveiling ceremony.

Speeches from project organizers covered education, dedication, volunteer thanks, and 9/11 oaths to never forget, were made by Barbara Brummer, The Nature Conservancy’s New Jersey (TNCNJ)State Director; Lisa Welsh, TNCNJ Board Chair; Eric Olsen, TNCNJ Director of Conservation Programs;Andrew Hamilton, Board Vice Chair, National 9/11 Memorial Trail Alliance; and Dave Golden, Assistant Commissioner of NJ DEP Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Parked in view of the ceremony was Knowlton Fire and Rescue Ambulance 41-52 which had been purchased and placed into service shortly before the attacks of 9/11/2001. The rig, which carried first responders as part of an EMS Task Force from Warren County to NYC assisting to answer 911 calls, is still in service and proudly displays the Warren County 9/11 Response Sticker.

The last two remembrances were poignant as they hit closest to home. Local first responder, Michael Bates, former Knowlton Fire Chief and now a member of the Township Committee, gave a heartfelt speech. Afterwards he said, “he wasn’t going to go there”’ but, fighting through the pain, holding back tears, he courageously ‘went there’ to exemplify the magnitude of the reality.

Simmons died in the World Trade Center’s South Tower that day, after the second plane hit the tower, striking the floors below the 104th, where he worked. A surviving coworker told the family that knowing Bruce was already at his desk with the plane hit, he knew he’d stay and help the others.

Bates reflected, “I am honored to assure his heroism is not forgotten. Bruce was a brother to us all, his dedication to his duty and unwavering courage were qualities that we will all admire and aspire to emulate. Twenty-three years later and the void is still felt. In the face of that tragic day, we witnessed incredible acts of heroism and unity… The strength of the human spirit is a reminder that even in the darkest times there was light and hope in this world”

Aside from the far-off sound of the highway, like white noise, the silence was felt in measured breaths, and then Bates looked up and said jokingly, “I’m not crying, you are,” and it gave a warm audience chuckle. All knew that it took a lot for this man to stand before them recounting the day of and weeks after the attacks.

Lastly, Tom Moritz, also a former Chief of Knowlton’s volunteer fire department, gave the final speech — dressed in uniform, deeply thoughtful, respectful and emotional — reflecting on Bruce Reynolds, another friend and coworker who perished. Reynolds, who grew up in Inwood, Manhattan, had moved his family to Knowlton and immersed himself in the community and in the work of Knowlton Fire and Rescue. At the time of the attack Reynolds was on duty as a Port Authority Officer and was last seen rushing into Two World Trade Center. Moritz painted a picture of Reynolds, saying, “Bruce had a deep connection with nature. Under the guidance of his dad transformed a community garden known as Bruce’s Garden. And now, today, Bruce’s love of nature comes home to Knowlton.”