Morris Plains Hopeful on 9/11 Anniversary

The crowd was a sea of young faces. Most of whom weren't even born when the terrorists struck 12 years ago on Tuesday Sept. 11, 2001. But the assembled officials, school administrators and first responders reinforced the message of patriotism and unity not only to the members of St. Virgil Academy and the Morris Plains Borough School who were there, but to all assembled at the Morris Plains 9/11 remembrance ceremony.

The fact that the young people there grew up in a post-9/11 world was not lost on the adults there. The ceremony itself included many highlights, including the raising of the flag by the VFW, musical performances and reflections from students as well as remembrance speeches by administrators and officials (you can see photos and videos attached to this post).

But perhaps one of the most memorable portions of the morning was the silent vigil being kept by Coast Guard reservist Bill Houston. Houston stood stock still in sweltering heat unmoving throughout the morning in what he called a show of respect and honor.

"It wouldn't matter if it was 95 degrees or 35 degrees," Houston said. "I would be out here regardless."