Dear Editor:
I had the honor in 2011 of attending the event at Pier A Park in Hoboken marking the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. At that time, the city proudly displayed plans for a 9/11 memorial. Yet in the 4 years since, nothing has been done. Every September, our government promises to build a memorial; no doubt this year there will be still more promises to build the memorial. Hoboken has had 14 years to build it – more than enough time to get the job done. Hoboken has spent over $500,000 of public money on work for it – more than enough money to get a memorial built. Yet in spite of the time and money, no memorial has been built.
I firmly believe the City of Hoboken should build a memorial to honor our victims of the 9/11 attacks. Every year on 9/11, I complain to myself and do nothing. By doing nothing and saying nothing I am complicit in the failures of our government. Beginning today I will be different. I will not be quiet. I will not complain or criticize. I will persistently yet politely pester my government to take action. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I will offer my labor, my money, and my time to make the memorial a reality.
The 15th anniversary of 9/11 must be different. We must have a memorial in place by 9/11/16. As citizens, we must help our government to make the memorial a reality. Please join me by committing to do your part to make the memorial a reality. Please contact Leo Peligirini, director of Human Services for the City of Hoboken at 201-420-2012 or lpeligrini@hobokennj.gov. Tell the director that you support the construction of a 9/11 memorial and would like to help the city make this project be more than just a perpetual promise. I know we can make the memorial a reality.
Paul Lichstein