Honoring Heroes Through Golf: A Tribute to 9/11 Victims
News Summary
The annual golf outing at Pebble Creek Golf Club honors the 84 Port Authority employees who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. This event, organized by the WTC Memorial Fund, raises funds for college scholarships for their families. This year, $18,000 was awarded in scholarships, nurturing the legacy of the victims through education and remembrance. As the event approaches its 25th anniversary, anticipation grows for further participation and support.
Honoring Heroes Through Golf: A Tribute to 9/11 Victims
Each year, the echoes of September 11 resonate anew, reminding everyone of that tragic day in 2001. In a heartwarming initiative, an annual golf outing has emerged as a means to honor the victims of 9/11, particularly the brave employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey who lost their lives. This year, the event took place at the beautiful Pebble Creek Golf Club, which holds a unique connection to the events of that day.
A Memorial Built of Steel
Pebble Creek is home to an impressive 18-ton piece of steel salvaged from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This remarkable steel structure serves as a solemn memorial for the 84 Port Authority employees who tragically died on that fateful day. Towering at nearly 20 feet, the magnificent steel piece is part of a larger slab, the other half of which resides at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in Manhattan. It was thanks to the efforts of a dedicated individual that this steel memorial found its home in Colts Neck, with the half that wouldn’t fit at the museum proudly displayed in honor of those lost.
Scholarships in Memory of Loved Ones
The WTC Memorial Fund, a committed nonprofit organization, plays a crucial role in supporting the families of Port Authority employees who lost their lives on that tragic day. Each year, this fund organizes a charity golf outing on the first Friday after September 11 to raise funds for college scholarships, empowering the next generation of scholars who bear the legacy of their loved ones. This year, the golf outing took place on September 12, welcoming an impressive 216 golfers who came together for a purpose greater than just the game.
During this year’s outing, a total of $18,000 in scholarships was awarded, allowing bright and promising students to pursue their educational dreams. Among the recipients was Leah Costa, who received her scholarship in memory of her grandfather, Anthony Infante, a Port Authority Police inspector who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. Leah is now a freshman at Boston College and graduated from Villa Walsh Academy, carrying her grandfather’s legacy forward.
Another recipient, Ronald DeVito, is a freshman at Villanova University. He is the son of Ronald DeVito, a former assistant director at the Port Authority. The reflection on the heartbreaking events of 9/11 has become even more meaningful for the DeVito family as they engage with this scholarship, connecting with a younger generation that didn’t experience that day firsthand.
A Legacy of Remembrance
Caitlyn McIntyre, who serves on the scholarship committee, is another shining example of the impact the fund has on younger generations. She was the first recipient of a scholarship from the fund and is now a nurse, advocating for the importance of honoring the memories of those lost. The scholarships also acknowledge the tragic loss of five Port Authority employees in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, ensuring that all stories of sacrifice are woven into the fabric of remembrance.
Looking to the Future
As the general manager of Pebble Creek looks forward to next year’s outing, anticipation grows. It is expected that the 25th anniversary of this charity event will attract up to 300 golfers, bringing even more support to the cause. The ongoing participation of younger generations in this memorial event indicates that the legacy of remembrance will continue to thrive. The golf outing has successfully fostered an unbreakable connection between the past and the future, helping people to remember the sacrifices made while providing opportunities for those touched by tragedy.
Conclusion
This annual golf outing is about much more than just swinging clubs on the green; it is a heartfelt tribute to the lives lost on September 11 and a pledge to never forget. As each golfer takes to the course, they carry not only the spirit of competition but the responsibility of honoring the heroes who made immense sacrifices for others. This initiative stands as a beacon of hope, scholarship, and a reminder of community resilience in the wake of tragedy.