Christie, GOP Leaders Share 9/11 Reflections

By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog

Governor Chris Christie signed Executive Order No.162 this week, Save Jerseyans, directing that all New Jersey state buildings to fly flags at half-staff on Thursday, September 11, 2014, the 13th anniversary (yeah, it’s been THAT long) of the 9/11 terror attacks that claimed the lives of 746 New Jersey residents. He also declared it a “Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance” throughout the entirety of New Jersey.

He are his remarks on the subject offered yesterday during a school visit in Camden:

“The world will never be the same as it was on September 10th of 2001. It will never be the same for Americans again. And so yes we do have an obligation to be vigilant and should continue to be. If you see something say something. If there’s something unusual in your neighborhood, you see something odd happening, call law enforcement. Don’t take it into your own hands. All those things are reminders that we should be giving people and are in public service announcements and other ways giving people every day. But I will tell you as somebody who was nominated as US Attorney the day before 9/11, I was nominated by President Bush on September 10th 2001 that it’s a day that will always stick in my mind for that reason. It’s a day that will always stick in my mind because of the extraordinary loss of life. It will stick in my mind because both my brother and my wife were within three blocks of the World Trade Center when that happened, and I always, always count my blessings that both of them got out alive. So it’s always a very emotional day for me and for Mary Pat and for my younger brother Todd, and I’m sure it will be again for not only us but for the family members and friends of all the people who did lose their lives and others who escaped. So I just think it’s a time for us to reflect as a people about the blessings that we have as a country and to remind ourselves that we must always be vigilant to protect our freedom and our liberty. And that there are men and women all across the world right now who are doing that on our behalf. And that we should spend a couple of minutes on September 11th to think about them, their families and the families of those who have lost service men and women in the defense of our liberty and the aftermath of that. So those are the things that cross my mind.”

And from the GOP legislative (federal and state) leaders:

Tom Kean, Jr.

“Thirteen years ago, thousands of innocent Americans became sudden victims of terror. Today, we remember and pay tribute to those who truly embodied perseverance, courage, and heroism not only on September 11, 2001, but also during the difficult days of recovery and rebuilding. We hold first responders and victim’s families in our hearts. Their strength stands as a testament to American resiliency. Today, we reflect on how our nation has come together in the past 13 years to overcome one of the darkest days of our history. We remember and honor those who gave and make tremendous sacrifices for us all.”

– Tom Kean, Jr.

bramnick and christie“Our country still remembers and mourns the loss of the innocent victims who died on this infamous day. We also honor and appreciate those who responded to the scenes of these attacks and their bravery in risking their lives to save others. The American spirit was tested 13 years ago. Our country responded with the same determination and commitment it always has when tragedy strikes. Each day, we must renew the spirit we found in the aftermath of the attacks, when neighbor comforted neighbor and we joined together as a stronger America.”

– Jon Bramnick

Leonard Lance“On this most somber day we recall the memories, images and emotions that will never be forgotten.  We remember the exact spot we stood when we heard the news that our country was under attack and we vividly recall the pain of a wounded Nation.  We will never forget the lives lost that terrible day, nor the lives lost in defense of our Nation in the years that followed. Though the horrific memories are unshakeable, let us never forget the stories of tremendous heroism and self-sacrifice from that day and the bravery and courage of those who have put on the Nation’s uniform to serve and protect us from the dangers we still face.   May God continue to bless the United States of America.”

– Leonard Lance

Matt Rooney
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MATT ROONEY is SaveJersey.com's founder and editor-in-chief, a practicing New Jersey attorney, and the host of 'The Matt Rooney Show' on 1210 WPHT every Sunday evening from 7-10PM EST.