Earlier this morning, Commissioner Alphonse Petracco led a remembrance ceremony honoring the fallen heroes of 9/11 at the Township of Nutley Town Hall 9/11 Memorial.

Following a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by the Nutley High School Chamber Singers and an invocation by Pastor Thomas Nicastro of St. Mary’s Church, Commissioner Petracco spoke from the heart.

“I can't believe it's already 24 years since 9/11 happened,” he said. “Twenty-four years ago was a day just like today: crystal clear, kind of eerie. I was listening to 1010 WINS at the time. At first, they thought a plane had just randomly had an accident at the Twin Towers. And it's just so sad to me. I reflect back that my oldest son, who is now 30 years old, was six years old at the time, in Spring Garden Grammar School. It saddens me greatly that the lives lost that day didn't get a chance to see their children grow up, get married, have families, spend time with their parents, or their grandkids…”

“You know, I think to myself, for what reason? The world goes on, and it angers me that those victims' futures—including three people from Nutley, Lt. Robert Cirri, Frank LaLama, and Dorota Kopiscko—were stolen. It's still just so senseless to me.

“I think that the problem with America today is we forget that no matter what side of the aisle you’re from, we're all Americans. We share this country. What happened in our country yesterday with Charlie Kirk—and God bless his family and his two little kids—with these acts of hatred and terrorism in this country, I think we're really losing sight of what God put us here on this earth for, which is to unite, be kind, get along, and pay it forward when you can.

"It's 24 years later, and it seems like... sadly, I don't know if the world's a better place today. The only way we change that is not through politicians, it's not who you vote for; it's one person at a time rethinking what's going on here. When 9/11 happened, those of us who are a little older couldn't believe it. To not learn from these tragedies really seems we're going backwards instead of forward.

“We have the Chamber Singers here today. You young people, you're the future of this country. I remember when my grandmother was saying that to me, I looked at her like I didn't know what she was talking about. My mother, who died six years ago yesterday, used to say, 'It doesn't cost any money to be kind.' So, when you see each other, please, please remember those words.

“On this day, 24 years later, let’s bow our heads and pray for Nutley residents Lt. Robert Cirri, Frank LaLama, and Dorota Kopiscko, and all of those we lost on that horrific day.”

The speech was immediately followed by a moment of silence and the ringing of the Township Fire Bell, along with brief comments from Commissioner Tucci and Commissioner Evans.