(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen) released the following statement Thursday commemorating the 13th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks:
“More than a decade later, it is still difficult to comprehend the barbarity of these attacks.
“The terrifying images of that day are forever stamped in our consciousness.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones on this tragic day.
“I can only hope that time has helped eased some of the pain.
“As we mark the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, let us honor those who lost their lives so tragically through solidarity. Let us reject all that is evil and destructive, and continue to forge ahead as a unified country against those who wish us and our democratic foundations harm.
“Let this be an opportunity to pay our respects to the thousands lost, but also reflect on the unified response that followed. Let us pay tribute to the police and rescue workers who worked tirelessly during rescue and recovery efforts, those who traveled to New York City from around the country to assist in the recovery and those who never made it out of Ground Zero.
“Let us remember the American flag being raised on top of the rubble and remind ourselves that while our spirit may have been temporarily broken, our resolve remains unwavering.”