Remembering 9/11 at the Jersey Shore — with a 20-ton sand sculpture

Sand sculptor John Gowdy, an Atlantic City native, was back on his favorite beach over the weekend finishing a 20-ton sculpture he designed to remember those who died in the terroristic plane hijackings on Sept. 11, 2001.

Gowdy, a retired captain from the Atlantic City Fire Department and a one-time Atlantic City lifeguard, has created a sand sculpture memorial symbolizing the events of 9/11, showing a tired and devastated firefighter sitting along side the rubble of the buildings brought down that day. The sculpture features a commemorative 9/11 rising up from behind, with the numbers made in the style of the towers.

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The sculpture was the centerpiece of a 9/11 remembrance event at the Jackson Avenue Beach and Boardwalk in Atlantic City at 10 a.m. Monday.

A massive U.S. flag was also be hung from two Atlantic City Fire Department trucks during the event and 200 American flags were handed out to guests. Attendees included Mayor Don Guardian, Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman and Assemblymen Chris Brown.

Remarks focused on South Jersey locals who lost their lives that day, including Victor Saracini, John O'Neill, Patricia Cody and Andrew Alameno.

All 749 of New Jersey/s 9/11 fallen