West Windsor’s Arbor Day events were held at the Ron Rogers Arboretum on Saturday, April 24. David Suarez, a former West Windsor resident who died on 9/11, was honored during the ceremonies. Community Middle School’s Girl Choir performed.
A speech was given by Adam Schuit, a Boy Scout in West Windsor Troop 40. To prepare for his talk about Suarez, Adam did his own research, including information on www.davidsuarez.org, a website set up by Suarez’ family and friends in his memory.
“Today, we honor one of our own, Troop 40 Eagle Scout David Suarez. David was one of the seven people from West Windsor who died on 9/11 in the north tower of the World Trade Center. He was just 24 years old.
“David graduated from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School, right across the street, and was the co-captain of the wrestling team. He graduated in 1999 from Penn State.
“David especially enjoyed two things that all scouts like to do. They are volunteering to help others and mountain climbing. David did a lot of volunteer work in soup kitchens, for charity groups in New York, and he tutored students. He climbed the 11,”000 foot Mount Philmont in New Mexico, a dream for all Boy Scouts, and he hiked Machu Picchu in his ancestral home in Peru.
“Troop 40 hopes that David’s family likes the engraved paver made in his memory, placed in the path at the West Windsor 9/11 Memorial. The paver says: “Soar Troop 40 Eagle Scout David Suarez.” Maybe he is — over Mt. Philmont or over Machu Picchu.”
