Honoring Service and Resilience:
Dr. Kenneth Freedman’s 9/11 Reflections
A Local Voice at a National Remembrance
At the East Brunswick 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Dr. Kenneth Freedman delivered a heartfelt speech that wove together personal memories, community spirit, and a tribute to resilience in the face of tragedy. A chiropractor and long-time East Brunswick resident, Dr. Freedman recalled his decision to volunteer at Ground Zero in the days following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
His words carried the weight of lived experience, reminding listeners not only of the physical struggles endured by first responders but also of the profound emotional toll that defined those harrowing days.
Answering the Call to Serve
Dr. Freedman spoke of the moment he felt compelled to act—packing his portable chiropractic table and making his way into New York City. With the assistance of military escorts, he entered the disaster zone, witnessing scenes that would forever be etched into the nation’s collective memory, including the sight of the American flag raised high above the rubble.
Amid the destruction, Dr. Freedman established a makeshift clinic, offering care to exhausted rescue workers who bore both the physical strain of endless hours and the heavy burden of grief.
A Poignant Encounter at Ground Zero
Among the many encounters he described, one stands out in stark clarity. A worker, covered in dust and debris, apologized repeatedly for being “dirty,” explaining that the particles clinging to him were not just dust but the remains of those they were desperately trying to recover. That single moment, raw and unfiltered, reflected the unimaginable sacrifices made by those who stepped forward in America’s darkest hour.
Carrying the Burden, Honoring the Spirit
Dr. Freedman also shared how his service at Ground Zero left lasting scars of its own. Years later, he would face a personal battle with cancer, the result of toxic exposure during his time at the site. Yet even in speaking of his own struggles, he shifted the focus to resilience—of the East Brunswick community, his colleagues, and a nation that came together in compassion and unity.
A Legacy of Service and Remembrance
