Community Corner

NJ Hasn’t Forgotten 9/11: Here Are The Stories To Prove It

One of the worst tragedies in U.S. history has left an unerasable mark in New Jersey, where tales of pain and bravery still echo today.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill speaks at a 9/11 commemoration event at the Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City, N.J. on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill speaks at a 9/11 commemoration event at the Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City, N.J. on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (Photo: Office of Governor / Tim Larsen)

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, including 750 New Jersey residents. And as the 25th anniversary of one of the worst tragedies in the history of the United States passes, it is clear that first responders – and surviving family members, friends and co-workers of the victims – haven’t forgotten 9/11.

U.S. and New Jersey flags were at half-staff on Friday under an executive order from Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who was among those paying their respects to the fallen.

“We remember the families forever changed and honor the first responders who ran toward danger,” Sherrill said. “25 years later, we will never forget.”

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Remembrance ceremonies took place across the state on Friday, with many of them mourning local victims killed in the attacks. READ MORE: Thousands Of Flags In NJ To Mark 25th Anniversary Of 9/11 Terror Attacks

Stories of sorrow and bravery – along with valuable lessons from those who experienced the horror firsthand – continue to ring across New Jersey. Catch up with just a few of them below (click headline to read article):

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These 9/11 Heroes Chose Saving Lives Over Escaping World Trade Center

They could have escaped to safety – but stayed to help others. It cost them their lives.

She Was Late To Work On Sept. 11. Her Boss Died. Now She Teaches NJ Students What Happened

Twenty-five years ago, a NJ woman was late to work at the World Trade Center. Her boss passed away. She became a teacher.

9/11 Widow From Brick Finds Hope After Loss

Loisanne Diehl battled treatment-resistant depression after her husband, Michael, was killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Chester Hero Buried Under Rubble For 13 Hours On 9/11 Reflects 25 Years Later

The Colombian-American was a Port Authority police officer during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

9/11 Blood Drive Honoring Brothers Of Basking Ridge Local

Theresa (Gorman) Creedon, a 33-year resident of Basking Ridge, shares how she lost her two brothers, Thomas and John Gorman, to 9/11.

From Ground Zero To The Classroom: NJ Instructors Share Firsthand Lessons From 9/11

These Rutgers Health instructors witnessed the devastation and worked amid the debris. Here's what they learned from the tragedy.

25 Years Of Acts Of Kindness Sparked By 9/11 To Be Honored In Basking Ridge

Heartworks, a non-profit acts of kindness group, launched on Sept. 11, 2001, as a result of the community response to the tragedy.

Ground Zero Flag To Make Stop In Edison For 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

The township will hoist the flag for nine minutes and eleven seconds during the ceremony.

Sept. 11 Attacks Temporarily Ended A PATH Train Route In NJ. It Just Returned

A PATH train route from New Jersey to the Twin Towers was temporarily suspended more than two decades ago.

25 Years After 9/11: Port Authority Airport Leaders Made A Critical Call

"I actually saw the second plane hit the tower… I saw the fireball."

Somerset Patriots Game To Honor 9/11, Offer 2,000 Tickets To First Responders

The Sept. 11 game in Bridgewater will include a pregame 9/11 tribute and donated tickets for responders and families.

NJ Ferry Captain Who Evacuated People On 9/11 Gets Lifesaving Gift

Tony Moyet reflects on his journey from a ferry captain at Ground Zero to his double lung transplant nearly two decades later.

Princeton To Mark 9/11 With Ceremony At Steel Beam Memorial

This year's ceremony marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks, with a new plaque added to the steel beam monument.

NJ Photographer Honors 9/11 Search And Rescue Dogs With 25th Anniversary Tribute

“Heroes Remembered” honors the search-and-rescue dogs who served in the aftermath of 9/11.

A view of the 9/11 commemoration event at the Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City, N.J. (Office of Governor / Tim Larsen)

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