Essex County marks 25 years since 9/11 attacks at Eagle Rock Reservation

WEST ORANGE, New Jersey (WABC) -- Hundreds of people gathered at Lookout Point on Friday to remember the nearly 3,000 victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honor those lost from Essex County.

On that day, 57 Essex County residents went to work and never returned home, including Antoinette Dugar, whose daughter, Megan Tsitsoulas, attended the memorial.

"I was only 8 years old and I feel for people that were not even around during that time to have them come here to know what we went through as a family -- and not just us, the whole world, it changed everyone's life forever," Tsitsoulas said.

Tsitsoulas said her family considers the annual service at Lookout Point, where they can see Ground Zero, a place of solemn remembrance.

The memorial was the first completed in New Jersey. The state lost nearly 750 residents in the attacks, and participants said they want to make sure that younger generations never forget.

Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo was among the speakers reflected on unity and legacy during the service.

"We have to get that generation just to make sure that they never forget, that they learn about this in school, which is the most important thing," DiVincenzo said.

Law enforcement officials attended to honor those who died in the attacks.

"Heroes don't arrive wearing capes, they arrive wearing uniforms," said Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones.

Pilots and flight attendants also took part in the observance, recognizing the loss of 33 colleagues aboard the hijacked flights.

"We remember the pilots and the flight attendants, we remember the passengers, we remember every innocent life lost," said United Airlines flight attendant Deborah Calimano.

The ceremony concluded with participants paying tribute to the victims and reflecting on the lasting impact of Sept. 11, 2001.