The flag at the Lakewood Township Municipal Building was flown at half-staff today in honor of the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on New York City; Washington, DC and Shanksville, PA.

Mayor Menashe Miller notes that the anniversary is particularly poignant for Lakewood, as many current residents originate from the New York City area.

“The images of the horrific attacks remain etched in our minds, and we remember that fateful day along with the rest of the nation,” said Mayor Menashe Miller. “May God bless the families of the victims and help them move on.”

The mayor made particular note of the heroism of the 9/11 first responders, who ran towards dangers to rescue others. Hundreds of first responders died that day. Many more struggled with chronic health conditions and/or died in the subsequent years as a result of their efforts.

“To this day, our public servants – military, police, firefighters, emergency medical professionals, and others – from around the country place their lives on the line to protect the public from terrorism and other threats,” notes Mayor Miller, who serves as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserves. “Our debt of gratitude to them knows no bounds. May God bless and protect them as they do their crucial work.”

[TLS]