The New Jersey Heroes Semi-postal ceremony was held June 23, 2002 at Bridgewater, NJ before a baseball game between the Somerset Patriots and the Atlantic City Surf. It was held on a Sunday so I was able to attend. In order to attend the ceremony one had to purchase tickets to the game.

The ceremony was held on the ball field with Governor McGreevey and Congressman Frelinghuysen participating with speeches.

A touching poem was delivered by the author, Joan Murray. A large number of Emergency workers including NYC and NJ Port Authority Police and NYC Police and Fire fighters Made up the honor guard. It was a very hot day and due to the length of the ceremony about 22 members of the honor guard either had to leave or collapsed.

When a sheet of stamps was purchased, one stamp was removed, placed on a program, and cancelled. Ceremony programs were also available in the stadium as were cancellations.

In Addition the Season Program was available for sale at the game. The dedication page may be seen on the cover this issue.

The Postal Service outdid themselves with the quality of speakers and the level of participation by emergency workers who were connected to 9/11.