It is hard to believe that it has been 19 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks. We mourn and remember the lives of those we lost that day and honor the first responders who heroically sacrificed their lives to save others.

Of the nearly 3,000 people that died on September 11th, 749 were New Jerseyans. Families and friends in our community lost beloved wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. And for the families of first responders and residents of lower Manhattan that worked on or near the pile, the toxic soup of dust and chemicals caused lasting health problems. Last summer, after years of obstruction, we were finally able to pass a permanent reauthorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, to ensure survivors and families continue to receive the support they need and deserve.

America was forever changed that morning in September and we will never forget those who died, or the heroes who ran toward danger.

The pandemic has again tested our communities. We have lost too many friends and neighbors, and our first responders have again answered the call to serve others first. We have seen acts of heroism and kindness, both large and small. As we did after September 11th, we must remember that more unites us than divides us, and that we must take care of each other.

Today, we stand together in grief, united but not broken.

With love,

Mikie