The flags were placed one by one at the memorial at the corner of Route 130 and Merchantville Avenue during an annual tradition held on the eve of Sept. 11. The event has taken place each year since 2003 and honors the victims of the attacks.
"The flags don't just mean a number; they mean a life. Family member, friend, co-worker, someone who was lost. Absent for the last 25 years," Mayor Patrick Olivo said.
Olivo said the annual display reflects the community's commitment to remembering those who were killed.
"Seeing Pennsauken come together as a community to put the flags out means a lot," he said.
The memorial also includes a steel beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center, which was dedicated as a permanent fixture when the country marked 10 years since the attacks.
For many attendees, the ceremony served as an opportunity to reflect on where they were when the attacks occurred in 2001 and to honor those who responded that day.
"I watched the Twin Towers fall while I was at work; it was surreal. You have to remember those people that passed and what they did for our country; they sacrificed themselves. Take care of them," said Linda Colander of Pennsauken.
Colander also reflected on the actions of first responders during the attacks.
"Just remember how the firefighters raced up there, jumped right in, not knowing what was going to happen. Running up the steps and everything crashing down within minutes," she said.
Pennsauken Police Chief Philip Olivo said younger generations did not experience the attacks firsthand, making continued remembrance especially important.
"I was in the police academy when this happened. We have some guys not even born yet. The 25th anniversary is important to remember and not forget," he said.
A second ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at the memorial. Organizers said a survivor of the attack on the Pentagon is expected to attend. The flags will remain in place until Thursday evening.