Joined by U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Hoboken officials commemorated the lives of the 56 Hoboken residents who lost their lives during the tragedy heard around the world on September 11th, 2001 during a ceremony at Pier A Park this evening.
The solemn ceremony took place at 9/11 memorial in the park overlooking the lower Manhattan skyline, where the World Trade Center memorial was unveiled this time last year.
After the Hoboken High School Select Chorus harmonized “The National Anthem,” Hoboken Constituent Affairs Chief Caroline Caulfield, introduced the theme “Lest We Forget.”
Next, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla noted on how each year the city gathers to mourn, reflect and never forget the 2,996 Americans who were killed in the deadliest terrorist act on U.S. soil – especially to remember the 56 Hoboken victims of the attack.
“I want to thank all those that are gathered here today to honor the memory of the 56 Hoboken residents who were taken from us on September 11, 2001, in among the most horrific acts of evil our country has ever seen,” said Bhalla.
On the day of the attack, the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps along with the Hoboken Fire Department, Hoboken Police Department, Office of Emergency Management and other first responders from around the state treated over 2,200 people at the Hoboken Triage, located at the Erie Lackawanna train station.
“The brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice on this day did nothing to deserve that fate. They may not be here in physical being, but their memory and spirit will live in the hearts and minds of those who love them for eternity,” Bhalla added, also pointing out how the victims of the tragedy belonged to many religions.
Menendez, who championed legislation to distribute homeland security preparedness grants for first responders and safety programs back in 2009, also recalled that fateful day while speaking at the podium.
“I have been here before on September 11th over the last 17 years and we join together once again in fulfillment of our solemn promise to never forget. Never forget that nearly 3,000 Americans, almost 700 of them from New Jersey and of course the 56 from Hoboken who were lost on that day,” stated Menendez.
“Sons, and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, love ones all who perished on a day that will live in infamy. And the memories of those who we lost are seared in our hearts.”
