Edison community pays homage to 9/11 victims
NEW JERSEY: As commemorative ceremonies across the globe paid homage to the thousands who perished on 9/11 in New York ten years ago, residents of Edison Township that has a large Asian population got together on the day to pay tributes to the victims of the terrorist attacks. Members of Edison fire department and rescue squad along with elected representatives of New Jersey Assembly and local councils joined the Indian American community at a somber ceremony held at Edison Hotel to pay homage to those who lost their lives on the fateful day.
With lighted candles in their hands those assembled observed moments of silence followed by prayer recitals by religious leaders belonging to various faiths.
Among those who lost their lives at the twin towers on 9/11, 2001 were a number of Edison residents. A minute of silence was observed in remembrance of their sacrifice.
The meeting was organized by Sam Khan, a Republican hopeful for Edison Township Municipal Council. Highlighting his belief in bipartisan politics, Khan took care to invite leaders from both sides of the aisles. Elected representatives who attended the event included New Jersey Assemblyman Sam Thompson, Vice-President of Edison Township Municipal Council, Edison Councilman Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad and Alvaro Gomez, New Jersey Assembly aspirant Joe Sinagra and New Jersey Senate hopeful Gloria Dittman.
“We are neither Republicans, nor Democrats,” said Assemblyman Sam Thomson, echoing the sentiments of assembled gathering. “No matter what religion we belong to we are all united in our thoughts as Americans. Terrorists attacked many parts of the world, but they can’t win. They can neither win in India nor in USA because people of both countries are united against terrorism.”
Paying homage to Edison residents who lost their lives in the attacks on WTC, Edison Councilman Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad said that life of every citizen was valuable. “The terrorists’ attacks were aimed at the values and ideas that USA stands for. We can’t allow anyone to hurt the life styles and ideals of this great country,” he said.
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman, Parikh Worldwide Media, emphasized that the tragedy of 9/11 affected all Americans in some way or the other. “As a physician I treated a number of patients who were affected by polluted air that enveloped Downtown Manhattan on the day of the attack. The incident affected me personally as I was touched by the plight of my patients. We must strongly express the American resolve to fight against injustice and terrorism at all times,” he commented.
ASHOK OJHA
