It’s eleven years today for 9/11. It’s hard to believe. I remember standing over in Bayonne station with a co-worker on our way to work. Well, we were supposed to be. Instead of catching the Light Rail to Harborside Financial Center, we were stranded in the parking lot with many other civilians who just expected another day at the office. Sadly, we were mistaken.

You never would’ve figured what happened that tragic day. One we’ll never forget as long as we live. All those lives lost due to the worst terrorist attack on our country. There was a close call once on the World Trade Center in 1993. Eight years later, the evil doers finished the job killing many and destroying the Twin Towers along with an attack on the Pentagon.

It is hard to put into words. All the stuff we take for granted and it was literally blown away. Along with my associate Jason, we stood helplessly as the towers smoked before collapsing, taking people with it who flew out the windows. On my way from Staten Island, I had just hit the Bayonne Bridge when Howard Stern announced it. Of course, I didn’t believe it because it was Stern. But in a split second, there were both tall buildings clouded by thick patches of smoke. In that moment, I was stunned. Who would do such a thing?

Not everyone loves what we represent. Over a decade later, soldiers are still stationed in Afghanistan sacrificing everyday for our way of life. A little thing called freedom. Even with Osama dead and buried along with Saddam Hussein, the battle cry is far from done. There will always be terrorists who will try to destroy everything we stand for. Many firefighters, policemen and soldiers have passed away since for a noble cause. In a Presidential election year, both parties are at each other’s throats but at least they can agree on one common denominator. We shall never rest until we get every last one.

Everyday, I count my blessings and am thankful for family, friends, a roof over our heads, a job, food and being able to do what I want. Here, grieving families have heavy hearts today remembering loved ones. Fortunately, I didn’t lose anyone close. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t feel the pain so many are going through because it never goes away. We should all close our eyes and take a minute out of our day paying tribute to the lives lost. Those are the real heroes. I will visit Wolfe’s Pond Park later and visit a monument for those who served. That’s what this day is for.

NEVER FORGET.