Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City honors 749 NJ victims of 9/11 attack

In observance of the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, New Jersey’s Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City was an event full of “proud Americans” who “remain united.”

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“We are a resilient people. We may have lost the battle that day but as a people, we are proud Americans and remain united,” proudly stated by New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Foundation Chairwoman Faith Miller.

Miller, who lost her husband on that tragic day, has been dedicated to raising funds for the foundation for the erection, maintenance, repair and completion of the public monument that will be owned and operated by the State of New Jersey for the public to enjoy.

Families and friends gathered walked through the Empty Sky Memorial, which holds the 749 names of the New Jersey residents who were victims of the terrorist attack.

The memorial services also honored all the lives lost, not just those from 9/11, but for the men and women in the military and law enforcement who sacrificed their lives to protect this country and ensure freedom for all the American people.

New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Christopher Rodriguez reminded everyone that “an America united will always overcome.”

During his address, he recalled a sign hung by the entrance of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters where he once worked.

“The sign read ‘Today is September 12, 2001’ and so in the shadow of the Freedom Tower, the very symbol of our country’s strength and resilience in the face of great tragedy, let us readopt the spirit of that statement,” he proclaimed.

Col. Martin Klein of the United States Army, Commander of Army Support at Fort Dix remembers September 11, 2001 as a day that strengthened all of America.

“9/11 changed more than the skyline of New York City. The attacks changed the generation of Americans, of our military and our world. That day’s destruction and devastation did not condemn our country.”

“No, this great loss, as profound as it was, did not destroy the soul of our great nation, it made us stronger. That day fortified Americans with pride,” exclaimed Klein.

The United States Military Academy West Point Band, Jersey City Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes and Drums were among many who participated in the Empty Sky Memorial service.

The event was organized by the New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Foundation. For more information on the foundation visit www.NJ911Memorial.Org.