Donovan Catholic students and faculty joined members of the Ocean County community on Friday, September 11, for a solemn Day of Remembrance marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Hosted by Ocean County officials and Toms River Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, the ceremony was held at the September 11 Memorial in Downtown Toms River. The gathering brought together local officials, first responders, community members and students to remember the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, including 19 individuals from Ocean County.

The ceremony also honored the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call that morning, including the 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers who lost their lives.

Twenty-five years later, the impact of September 11 continues to be felt throughout our nation and in communities close to home. The remembrance also recognized those who have died from illnesses related to September 11 and the members of the United States military who made the ultimate sacrifice during the War on Terror.

For Donovan Catholic students, attending the ceremony provided an important opportunity to experience history beyond the classroom and to stand alongside their community in remembrance, gratitude and prayer.

As our nation marks a quarter century since that September morning, the Donovan Catholic community remembers all those who were lost, honors the heroes who ran toward danger to help others and prays for the families and communities forever changed by the events of September 11, 2001.

We will never forget.