09/11/2026
This morning, our Manchester Township community proudly came together in solemn remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, paying tribute in a Town Hall ceremony to the lives lost and honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who bravely served on that day and in the years since.
“Let us never forget the lives taken, the heroes made, the unity we found in the face of tragedy,” said Mayor Joseph Hankins. “May we continue to honor them, not only today, but every day, through our actions, our compassion, and our commitment to one-another.”
Alongside our residents, Mayor Hankins had the privilege of joining with Council President Michele Zolezi, Council Vice President James A. Vaccaro, Councilwoman Sandy Drake, Chief of Police Antonio Ellis, emergency first responders, and esteemed guests including State Senator Carmen Amato and State Representative Brian Rumpf, for this annual remembrance ceremony.
Among the presenters was Mike Lychock, a retired Manchester Township Police Lieutenant who recalled the harrowing journey to provide assistance in New York City following the attacks. “A Trooper leaned towards me and said: ‘remember, stay together. It’s a war zone there.’ And suddenly, you realize the seriousness,” he said. “As we remember this tragedy, the loss of life on that day, and how it affected us all in so many ways, I remain proud of serving with those fine officers and civilians.”
To honor those among our local neighbors lost, Chief Ellis read the names of each Ocean County resident who perished on September 11th, including Manchester Township resident Cira Patti.
Also participating in the ceremony were Rev. Daniel Schnitzer, Whiting Bible Church, who delivered the Invocation and Benediction; the Manchester Police Honor Guard and Manchester High School ROTC Color Guard, who performed the Presentation of Colors; Marisiya Goins, who sang stirring renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Amazing Grace;” and to close the morning's events Maison Martinez performed "Taps." A patriotic musical tribute featuring "God Bless America" was performed by Rev. Dr. Frank Watson.
On behalf of Mayor Hankins, the Township Council, and our entire Manchester Township community, thank you to everyone who attended and participated in creating such a memorable event to mark the anniversary of September 11th. We would like to offer a special thank you to: Manchester Recreation, the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company, Manchester Volunteer Fire Company, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company, Manchester Division of Emergency Services, Manchester Buildings and Grounds, and Manchester High School ROTC Color Guard.
May we never forget.
