By Chris Smith
Twenty-five years later, we solemnly remember those who lost their lives and the pain suffered by the nearly 3,000 individuals—including 147 Monmouth County residents— who were murdered by radical jihadists and the anguish endured by their families and friends, both then and now.
We remember and honor the courageous first responders running up the stairs of the burning buildings—with total disregard for their own safety—attempting to save others at the expense of their own lives.
We honor the heroic firefighters, police officers, paramedics and civilian support staff members, who have suffered and died from illnesses related to the rescue and recovery efforts in the aftermath of one of the darkest days in U.S. history.
According to the World Trade Center Health Program, an estimated 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Over 96,000 people have been diagnosed with physical and mental health conditions as a result of exposure to the dust, smoke, debris and traumatic events of 9/11, and more than 9,000 people have died from illnesses directly linked to the attack.
It is widely believed that Flight 93 was headed to Washington, D.C. to attack the Capitol or the White House when it was brought down in Shanksville, thanks in large part to N.J. hero Todd Beamer and his call to fellow passengers: ‘Let’s roll!’
A member of my staff since 2006, Kathy Wisniewski—then a Howell resident—lost her beloved husband, Alan, on 9/11.
Alan was associate director for Sandler O’Neill Investment, and his office was on the 104th floor of the South Tower. His last phone call before his tower fell was to say: ‘I’m OK.’ Then United Airlines flight 175 crashed into his building.
Through Kathy, and their three children—as well from the other survivors, like the ‘Jersey Girls’—we’ve all gotten a better understanding of the challenges suffered by family and close friends.
As an effective leader on behalf of 9/11 victims, Kathy is right now in New York City at the 9/11 ceremony.
As we remember all the victims of 9/11, may each of us seriously recommit to persevering prayer and good works for peace and reconciliation, as well as support for effective intelligence gathering and law enforcement to better interdict violence in all of its ugly manifestations, including terrorism.
As the 9/11 Memorial and Museum reminds us, ‘100 million Americans are too young to remember the day that changed our city and nation forever. It is our shared promise—made 25 years ago—to never forget, so those born after 9/11 learn its significance and enduring legacy. As we commemorate this anniversary, a new generation will learn about the unimaginable loss we experienced and the inspiring stories of bravery, compassion, unity, and service that we witnessed, and have rippled through the decades.’
We must never forget 9/11 and be ever mindful that the perpetrators of violence and terrorism never take a holiday—nor can we.
