Compassion and pride shown in 9/11 tributes

Gone but not forgotten. These words ring true for the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. And it's abundantly clear that the 57 of those victims who were from Middlesex County will always be remembered.

This is evident in the efforts and compassion shown by the many local officials and citizens who over the past five years have gone to great lengths to honor the memories of those we have lost and to recognize the sacrifices they made that day.

The attacks had major global ramifications in just about every way - socially, militarily, politically, economically. There was a sweeping feeling that the world had become a different place. And it did. The way we view our country, our safety, our children's security has all been altered in some way.

Hopefully, the changes the world has undergone since 9/11 have made us all a bit safer, ensuring that those lost that day will not just be remembered for who they were and what they did in life, but also for helping to make the world a better place even after they are gone.

So, it is with pride that we see our many communities remembering the victims and reflecting on the events of 9/11 with the construction of memorials, which continue to spring up in Middlesex County, the latest in Sayreville and Spotswood, and by holding events each year. With the five-year anniversary arriving Monday, there is no shortage of services being held in this area, from the beachfront at Laurence Harbor on west to the parks in Monroe and Milltown. This weekend and Monday, area residents will hold prayer services, candlelight vigils, ceremonies and silent observances.

As the world continues to heal from 9/11, it's a positive statement that we continue to reflect on the events of that day and quietly thank those heroes who were so tragically taken from us.