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Memoria
Project Sponsors Fifth Anniversary Commemoration in Highlands, NJ
Final Permanent Location Chosen |
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Press Release |
Red Bank, NJ – August 28, 2006 – The Memoria Project today
announced plans to mark the fifth anniversary of the events of 9/11 by
holding a commemorative gathering at the memorial site in Veteran’s
Memorial Park, Highlands, NJ. In addition, the Project announced that
the Council of the Borough of Highlands unanimously passed a motion to
make the Veteran's Memorial Park the permanent home for the memorial.
The evening will begin with a picnic at 4:30PM on 9/11/06, with
refreshments provided by the American Red Cross and the Highlands
Business Partnership. Families, community members and local residents
are all encouraged to attend. At 6:30PM, a small program will begin
featuring guest speakers, local leaders and Father Kevin Keelan, who has
counseled victims' families over the past five years. “We wanted to
commemorate the 5-year anniversary with a celebration of life and
healing,” says Stephen Shaheen, President and artist behind the Memorial
Project. “While holding the past close to our hearts, we recognize the
important steps our community has taken to move forward after this
tragic event.”
It is with great excitement that the Project announces the final
permanent location for the completed memorial will be Veteran’s Memorial
Park in Highlands. “Our all-volunteer organization worked through many
design revisions and discussions with the Council and community groups
to arrive at this decision. We are very pleased to stay here and happy
to be embraced by the town. We look forward to working with the
community to improve the park and prepare it to house this national
tribute,” says Evan Urbania, Executive Director of The Memoria Project.
The Memoria Project is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) New Jersey-based
organization that was formed by community members shortly after 9/11.
During the summer of 2002, The Memoria Project carved two 20-ton marble
statues on Sandy Hook National Park. These statues were carved outdoors,
where visitors and surviving family members could watch and participate.
The Project ran over 35 educational programs surrounding the creation of
these statues including programs on stone carving, lectures on art
history and special programs for those who lost loved ones on 9/11. More
information on the Project can be found at
www.memoriaproject.com.
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