Statements on the 8th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks

Statement of New Jersey officials on the eighth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks:

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-Hoboken):

"September 11, 2001 was a day of infamy. It was a day of tragedy. It was a day of heroism. ‘Never forget' - the rallying cry in the days and weeks after the attacks - still has enormous meaning eight years later.

"It means we should honor those who were taken from us too soon, 700 of whom were New Jerseyans. It means we have an obligation to take care of those who contracted chronic and even deadly illnesses selflessly helping the rescue and recovery process around Ground Zero. It means we have to do what is necessary to make our nation as secure as it can be. It means we should always be thankful for our first responders and military and the sacrifices they make to ensure the safety of our families. And it means that we should continually reaffirm the values and ideals that make ours the strongest and greatest nation on Earth.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those we lost as a result of the heinous attacks. As the years elapse, we know that the hurt doesn't fade. That is why ‘Never Forget' is as important as ever."

U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-Cliffside Park):

"The people of New Jersey and Americans across the nation will always remember the sacrifice made by those who died on September 11th.  Today we honor the memory of those who died - and we stand with their families whose future is our cause.  As the standard bearers of that legacy, we will always protect the values, liberties and freedoms that thousands of victims lost their lives for eight years ago."

Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-Morris Plains), the Republican State Chairman:

"Today we remember those whose lives were claimed on September 11, 2001, and the countless others who lost a father, mother, child, friend, or colleague. We also remember that even in tragedy, the spirit of America is great and the character of our country is courageous, resolute, and hopeful. Americans remain committed to the cause of freedom, liberty, and the principles we hold dear - principles that ultimately made our country a target. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those still grieving losses from that day, and with our military men and women throughout the world bravely serving our country to secure our freedom at home."

Gov. Jon Corzine:

“Eight years ago today, humankind showed its potential to do great evil and its fundamental inclination to do great good.

“By forging a society based not on tragedy, but on tolerance and acceptance, we pay the ultimate tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11.

“The strength and resolve of the American spirit and New Jersey’s sprit has shined through the darkest of times and we remain unwavering in our commitment to freedom, to decency, and to optimism.”