Garrett Gazette - September 11, 2006
Washington,
Sep 11 -
Dear Friends:
Over the weekend and today, I have spent much time at events throughout the North Jersey honoring the heroes of September 11th. It has been a powerful reminder to me of the danger terrorists pose to our nation, our people, and our way of life. It is also a powerful reminder to me of the strength and resilience of the American spirit and the true generosity and pure courage of the American people.
Yesterday afternoon, I had the honor of speaking at the Bergen County memorial to the victims of 9/11. I would like to share with you my remarks from that moving service:
Leonia, New Jersey
September 10, 2006
From the day of America’s birth, our story has been one of heroism. Our movies, our literature, our music paint a colorful panorama of the dreams and inspirations of men and women who built our nation of their own blood and sweat, ingenuity and spirit, courage and perseverance. Ours is a rich and proud history.
But, the events of September 11, 2001 transformed our concept of heroism. The men and women who perished at the Pentagon, on United Flight 93, and in the World Trade Center not far from where we now stand have left an indelible mark on the American psyche. The men and women who were helpless victims of the attacks and the brave first responders who rushed into the burning buildings to save them redefined heroism. And, the angels who carried them to peace that fateful day cried tears of pain for the loss on earth and tears of joy for heaven’s gain. And, today as we mark the fifth anniversary of their last day, we pause to ask God’s continued blessing on their souls.
We pause also to ask that God continue to shed grace on the families that were left behind. Those families who steadfastly stood watch by makeshift memorials to their children, spouses, parents, and loved ones are also heroes. In those days that followed the attacks – when hours felt like days and days felt like years – they gave our nation hope and now it is our turn to renew their hope and fortify their spirit. They were our rock, the foundation upon which America rose to greater heights than ever before. And now we shall be their strength. To those wives and children who patiently awaited word that your firefighter would emerge from the rubble, to those parents who painfully watched countless people dive from the Towers knowing that your child worked on one of those floors: You are strangers to us no longer. You are family.
September 11th was a day of great tragedy to America and to the world. But, in true American spirit, it has become a day of great inspiration as well. The lives that were lost shall not have been lost in vain. Let them be what motivates us to live better, to dream bigger, and to believe in our own destiny.
May God bless the victims of September 11th – both the living and the dead. May God bless the men and women now fighting for our freedom. And, may God bless the United States of America.
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My friends, if you pass a firefighter or a police officer or a rescue worker today please take a moment to say thank you. On September 11, 2001, hundreds of first responders died rushing into the burning, collapsing buildings so that others might live. If you know someone who serves in our Armed Forces please thank him or her for sacrificing so much that we will never live through September 11th again.
I hope that today you will find time to take a moment from your hectic schedule to contemplate the tragedy that occurred on that day five years ago and to count the many blessings that surround you in your life today.
Sincerely,
Scott Garrett
Member of Congress
CONGRESSMAN SCOTT GARRETT’S OFFICE COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU:
Congressman Garrett’s staff will be holding Mobile Constituent Service Hours in a number of Fifth District towns this week. The Congressman’s Constituent Service Officers are trained to act as your liaisons with Federal agencies. But, it’s not always easy to make it out to one of the Congressman’s district offices – in Paramus and Newton – to meet with one of them, especially when you are dealing with government red tape. These Mobile Constituent Service Hours sessions bring the Congressman’s office to you. So, if you are having trouble with a Federal program, such as Medicare, veterans benefits, Social Security, or more, please feel free to come by. And, please bring copies of any relevant paperwork with you to facilitate their work.
Tuesday, September 12th
10:00 am to noon
Park Ridge
Borough Hall, 55 Park Avenue
Tuesday, September 12th
10:00 am to noon
Phillipsburg
Town Hall, 675 Corliss Avenue
Tuesday, September 12th
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Closter
Library, 280 High Street
Wednesday, September 13th
10:00 am to noon
Ramsey
Library, 30 Wyckoff Avenue
Wednesday, September 13th
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Mahwah
Mahwah Senior Center, 475 Corporate Drive
Thursday, September 14th
10:00 am to noon
Glen Rock
Municipal Building, 1 Harding Plaza
Thursday, September 14th
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Wanaque
Library, 616 Ringwood Avenue
