Legislation Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo sponsored to establish a statewide day of remembrance to commemorate Sept. 11 was advanced by an Assembly committee on Thursday.
“Our nation will never forget the loss of 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001, nor will we forget the heroism of the emergency personnel who risked their lives, the courage of the men and women who immediately volunteered to defend this country overseas or the strength of ordinary people who denounced terrorism simply by choosing not to live in fear,” said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “For those who lived through that horrific day, nothing can erase the memory of the atrocities that occurred, but younger people may not fully understand what happened. A day of remembrance can help ensure that they and future generations comprehend the significance of September 11th.”
The bill (A-4345) would designate Sept. 11 each year as “September 11 Remembrance Day” in New Jersey in memory of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001 and in recognition of those who risked their lives to assist the victims of those attacks.
Under the bill, local governments and patriotic organizations would be encouraged to hold public ceremonies on “September 11 Remembrance Day” to salute the contributions of police officers, firefighters and emergency services personnel to the security and well-being of the people of New Jersey and the United States and to read the names of members of their respective communities who lost their lives on Sept. 11. All American and state flags shall be flown at half-staff. Students and staff members of each public school in New Jersey shall observe a one-minute period of silence at 10 a.m.
“New Jersey lost many of its residents on 9/11. We have a duty to remember them,” said DeAngelo.
The measure was advanced by the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee.