Above: Gottheimer in Wyckoff to commemorate the twenty-first anniversary of the horrific September 11th attacks.

WYCKOFF, NJ — On the twenty-first anniversary of the September 11th attacks, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) took part in a remembrance ceremony in Wyckoff to honor the members of the North Jersey community and first responders who lost their lives in the horrific attacks, to commemorate the first responders lost since, and to recommit to protecting America from all forms of extremism and terror, including lone-wolf and ISIS-inspired homegrown terror.

The ceremony at the Wyckoff Fire Department honored Wyckoff residents lost at the World Trade Center, including Thomas H. Bowden Jr., Alan K. Jensen, Shari Ann Kandell, Thomas Michael Kelly, Scott Martin McGovern, Craig A. Silverstein, Richard J. Todisco, Roy M. Wallace, David Brady, Sara Elizabeth Manley, and Dana Rey Hannon.

“With great loss, and in the face of great evil, our nation rose from the ashes and came together across any lines that divide us, party or region — especially here in North Jersey, where we will always live in the shadows of those attacks. Just as we did then, we still stand together — in unity as Americans — against those who only wish to tear us apart,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “For many, the exposure at the site has brought about cancer and illness — many years later — as if all the tragedy just that one morning was not enough. Thankfully, we have taken steps in Congress, to fight for legislation — and get it signed into law — to provide long-overdue support to cover 9/11 survivors, first responders, and their families. We are still fighting for them — and we must — for all of our first responders, and take all critical steps necessary to protect our homeland from terror and others who threaten our democracy and our very way of life.”

Gottheimer was joined by Wyckoff Fire Chief Joseph Van der Plaat. 

Nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives from the 9/11 attacks, including more than 400 firefighters, police, and other first responders who ran in to help. New Jersey lost nearly 750 residents. Bergen County alone lost 147 residents. Since then, more than 2,000 first responders and others who were in and around the World Trade Center have died since, as a result of toxic 9/11 exposure. 

Gottheimer helped get the Never Forget the Heroes Act signed into law, a bipartisan bill endorsed by the Problem Solvers Caucus — which Gottheimer co-chairs — to fully fund the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund and provide long-overdue support to cover 9/11 survivors, first responders, and their families — for injuries, medical expenses, and other benefits.

Below: Gottheimer in Wyckoff to commemorate the twenty-first anniversary of the horrific September 11th attacks.

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