Despite the threat of rain the sixth annual Paramus Freedom Walk was held without any problems, continuing the borough's annual tradition of honoring the victims of Sept. 11, 2001 and the nation's first responders.

PHOTOS/SCOTT GILROY

Paramus Freedom Walk Committee members lead the walk.

Event organizer Joey Rizzolo thanks the attendees and volunteers as Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera looks on.

While smaller than last year's event, this year's walk was no less successful, according to Freedom Walk Committee founder and chair Joey Rizzolo, a Paramus High School Student. He estimated taht between 300 and 400 attendees came to the Paramus Library Bandshell for the event, and noted that they ran out of their 200 free t-shirts for participants well before the even began.

"It wasn't really about how many people were here, it was more about why they are here," Rizzolo said. "Everyone came out for the right cause, and it was a great day."

A moment of silence was held for all 2,977 victims who died in the attack, with special mention given to Paramus residents. Among the walk's special guests were members of the Navas and Pandolfo families, who each lost a family member on 9/11. "Paramus felt this loss close with the passing of seven members of our community," Rizzolo said.

The walk made a brief stop by Howland Memorial Grove, the park where seven plaques reside in the memory of each Paramus resident who died that day. Rizzolo and committee members placed flowers at each plaque as a tribute to the victims and their families.

After returning from the walk, participants were greeted by hamburgers and popcorn provided by the Boy Scouts and the Elk's Club.

Mayor Richard LaBarbiera commended the Freedom Walk Committee's "perseverance and hard work," citing them as the reason Paramus residents will never forget.

See the rest here:

Paramus Freedom Walk honors victims