Montclair State University took this Saturday to give back to its community in honor of the firefighters and the servicemen and women who gave their life 20 years ago on Sept. 11.
The day started with a complimentary breakfast for the students who offered to volunteer. Most volunteers were students participating in fraternities and sororities.
Members of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon get ready to garden.
John LaRosa | The Montcalrion
Around 8 a.m., Montclair State President Jonathan Koppell came on stage at the Student Center ballroom to thank those volunteering and to emphasize the importance of this day.
President Jonathan Koppell addresses the students partaking in community service.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
The Greek life members were then dispersed all across Montclair, New Jersey to help engage in different acts of community service, many of which included gardening and landscaping.
Members of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon went outside the Student Center to help in the community garden. The garden was overgrown and in need of harvesting. Koppell was there helping as well.
Ashley Obade helps pick tomatoes at the Student Center garden.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Over at Montclair High School, some students were helping with gardening around the 9/11 beam memorial of World Trade Center Tower 2, dedicated to Ronald J. Ruben, who graduated with the class of 1983 and lost his life in the attacks.
Koppell and a faculty member at Montclair High School talk in between a metal support from World Trade Center Tower 2.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Downtown Montclair held a small parade accompanied by local firefighters and police officers, complete with the sound of trumpets and waving flags.
Montclair police officers march with flags held high.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Over at the Nathaniel Crane House in the historic section of Downtown Montclair, students were helping mulch and garden the area, while picking tomatoes and even fetching chickens.
A Montclair Community Farms member helps pick tomatoes.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Koppell also visited Montclair High School and the garden at the Crane House to help and talk to the community members.
Koppell helps Eugenia Vasquez Arango (middle) and other students make peanut butter sandwiches.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Even 20 years after the tragedy, both Americans and students at Montclair State stand in unity with one another to give back to their community.
A woman listens to the sound of the Montclair Community Band during a 9/11 memorial parade. John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Montclair State University students help spray paint rocks at Montclair High School.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Christine Schneider helps move mulch and dirt at the historic Crane House garden in downtown Montclair.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
A 9/11 remembrance plaque outside Watchung Station in Montclair, New Jersey.
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
Koppell with former Montclair Mayor Bob Russo (left).
John LaRosa | The Montclarion
