Twenty-three years.
An entire generation has now grown up without the memory of what it felt like that September morning and the days and weeks that followed. It's increasingly important for those of us who witnessed that day to not only share our stories of loss and fear but also of the unity it inspired, ensuring it is never forgotten. Though September 11th was the worst day, it also brought out the best in our country and our communities – I feel forever blessed be an American and to be part of our special Hoboken community.
Today, we listen to every story—about where we were when we first heard, “A plane crashed into the World Trade Center.” For many, lives were forever changed in that moment. As I’ve shared before, my story begins on that beautiful, clear morning. I was at the Motor Vehicle Commission in North Bergen when I heard the news over the PA system. I called my parents, who confirmed what I had heard, and while we were still on the phone, they watched the second plane hit Tower 2. I rushed back to Hoboken and arrived just in time to witness, along with the world, the collapse of Tower 2. That day, like many of you, I scrambled to check on loved ones and prayed for those in harm’s way. Though I was fortunate not to lose anyone close to me, I, like all of you, continue to mourn for our friends and neighbors who were not as lucky.
This afternoon at 5 pm, Hoboken will hold its annual 9/11 interfaith memorial service at Pier A Park, where we will honor the 56 Hoboken residents who lost their lives that day. It is always a moving ceremony so I hope you will join. And I encourage you to visit Pier A if you haven’t, where 56 ginkgo trees stand as a living memorial alongside a stunning sculpture, with 56 panes of glass inscribed with the names of those we lost.
As our memories align with the anguish so many around the world are facing as war touches their lives, just as we found strength together in our darkest moments, I know you join me in praying for these communities and that they too can find the strength to endure.
I read this moving poem a few years ago. Whether this is your faith or not, it is worth a read. #NeverForget #FaithFilledHeart
Excuse me God" said Peter, "But I think I hear the door."
September 11, 2011 at 8:42am
A REMINDER
The Lord walked into Peter's room and touched him on the face.
"You need to get up early son.
We've got to make some space.
Today's September eleventh
They'll be standing at the gate
And because of how they left the earth
Let's not make these folks wait."
Saint Peter spoke back to the Lord
"I do my job with ease.
What is it God that troubles you so very much with these?"
The Lord looked down and shook His head
"I'll stop it if I can.
But it's the hardest thing I fight against:
man's cruelty to man".
"So tell me Lord the numbers?"
So I'll know how to prepare".
"Oh, Peter," God said sadly
"They'll be thousands standing there.
You'll need to get out countries’ flags
Some eighty count in all.
Make sure the US flag unfurls
And stands up straight and tall."
"Oh Lord I don't know if I've time
To see they all uncoil."
"Then just get out Old Glory
For it happens on her soil."
"The numbers, Lord, they're really high
Will You help me greet them please?"
"I can't my son I'll be listening
As the world goes to its knees.
The prayers will come from everywhere
I've got to find a way
To send some love and comfort
To My children this sad day.
But Peter get out lots of frames
You know the pretty golden ones
For a lot will come with pictures
Of their spouses, daughters, sons.
And those faces who'll be framed here
They'll be up here someday too
For they'll deserve a little heaven
For the hell that they'll go through.
Your work will be for just one day
By tonight most will be here.
But my work will last a long time
For the world will fill with fear.
Oh, Peter, even I worry
That I'm not up to the task
For I won't have all the answers
To the questions that they'll ask.
Why some stayed home? Why some were late?
Why some just walked away?
How could a God Who's loving
Let these lives go out this way?"
Then Peter reached his hand to God
Wiped a tear upon His Face
"Don't worry God, once they get here
They're going to love this place.
And all the hearts still left behind
They'll heal in God's due time
And they'll know that faith can ease the pain
Of even this sick crime."
Then at nearly nine on New York time
They heard a thunderous roar.
"Excuse me God" said Peter "But I think I hear the door."
by Penny Huelsman
October 18, 2001
I hope you can join this afternoon to commemorate this important day in our history. As always, please share this with anyone you know who may be interested and reach out any time on any issue important to you: 201-208-1764 or [email protected]. #AlwaysRemember
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