EDITORIAL: Many work together in the wake of tragedy.
By:
Over the past couple of weeks, innumerable heroes have emerged from the tragedy surrounding the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America.
We know the names of some, like Lt. Kevin Brink and firefighter Jason Palmer of the Washington Township Fire Department and Lt. George Titko, Sgt. Robert Pintye, Cpl. Matt Petrecca and Patrolman Anthony Turso of the Plumsted Township Police Department. All assisted in search and rescue work at the World Trade Center in New York City.
Alice Holmes and her dog, Chewbacca, of Upper Freehold searched for victims in the rubble. Deborah Burke of Plumsted and her rescue dogs also were involved in the work resulting from the WTC attacks.
There is Todd Beamer, the area resident who in the skies over Somerset County, Pa., helped foil the plans of terrorists and died in the crash of United Airlines Flight 93.
Emergency management personnel in local municipalities worked to provide information to residents, and to collect items for those affected by the tragedy.
Ministers, priests, rabbis, imams and other religious figures were called to bring comfort to their faithful. Teachers, too, faced the challenges of helping students, particularly young children, cope with the events.
Some people gave blood, others financial assistance. A group of youngsters in Washington Township set up a lemonade stand and sold drinks and snacks to raise money for the Red Cross. The kids collected nearly $700 in one afternoon.
Too many area families needed to face the realization that a loved one was not coming home, and did so with remarkable strength and dignity.
Too many area families had to say goodbye to loved ones called to serve their country in its time of need.
All are heroes.
In time, we again will take for granted the work of firefighters, police officers and soldiers, the efforts of clergy and teachers, the plans of emergency management personnel. That’s too bad. But for now, for as long as possible, remember and be grateful.
The world is a dangerous place. It always has been, and probably always will be. It’s a livable place because of people who are willing to sacrifice for the greater good of all.

