William Reilly, executive officer of the 200 Club of Burlington County (left to right), club president Stephen Raymond, club vice president Deborah Johnson, trustee and past president Peter Clifford and club executive officer Evan Palmer at the group’s annual 9/11 prayer service and breakfast.
The 200 Club of Burlington County held a prayer service and breakfast at the Community House of Moorestown to mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11, with county firefighters, EMS workers, law-enforcement officers, elected officials and residents in attendance.
A total of 2,977 people – excluding the 19 hijackers – lost their lives that day, most of them in New York. All 246 passengers and crew aboard the four hijacked planes were killed. At the Twin Towers, 2,606 people died that day or later from injuries sustained during the attack. At the Pentagon, 125 people were killed.
Citizens of 77 different countries were among the casualties; New York City alone lost 441 first responders.
“Our first responders keep us safe every day,” said club president Stephen Raymond. “I cannot imagine doing the job that they do … That was done on Sept. 11, running into the danger when everyone else was running away.”
The 200 Club’s keynote speaker was Brigadier Gen. James J. Grant, New Jersey National Guard, a former Marine who retired after serving in the military for 43 years. Grant served at every position from platoon through brigade commanding at every level. His career culminated as the director of the Joint Force, New Jersey National Guard.
His assignments included Troop “D” commander, meaning he was assigned as on-site commander on 9/11. The sights, the sounds and the smells of that day are indelible, he said at the prayer service, and he remembers it as if it were yesterday.
“America was attacked on its own soil,” Grant said. “ … I witnessed both towers crumble to the ground. I heard the last screams of individuals unable to get to safety and I smelled the distinctive stench of jet fuel burning two of America’s iconic buildings.”
But also vivid in his mind, Grant recalled, was the spirit, determination and the will of the American people and the spirit of communities coming together as one, regardless of race, creed or politics, to help in any way possible.
“People wanted to wave hello to strangers, people opened their doors and offered food and drink, and even sometimes a comforting hug, all to strangers,” Grant recounted. “That period of time reflects one of a proud America, joining together in unity to restore and return our country to where it was prior to the attacks, and that is exactly what happened.
“This time in history, I believe, is a prime example of the collective willpower of the American people.”
That period was unparalleled, according to Grant, and while the days and nights that followed 9/11 were long, tiring and in unchartered waters for all first responders, it was a time when all were proud to be American.
“Our first responders exemplified the elite,” he explained, “those honorable individuals who have a special calling within their hearts and souls to render assistance to those who need it. Time and time again, first responders are leaders and role models within our communities …
“I will not detail that fateful day anymore, rather provide you with a few lessons that I have learned over the course of my career, which includes 9/11.”
First, he said, the mission is always bigger and more complex than anticipated. Regardless of training, education and preparedness, catastrophic events always provide unique circumstances and require quick, decisive action.
“Second, leadership is crucial,” he pointed out. “A leader must take charge; make clear, articulable decisions; and allow those working to perform their job functions without interference. Trust your employees. They will execute your orders and accomplish the mission. Do not micromanage. Employees know how to do their jobs. Allow them to do just that.”
Third, Grant said, is to leave the mission with better and stronger relationships than when it began. Building and establishing those relationships will always be beneficial, not only to the success of the mission, but to pay dividends throughout one’s life and career.
Last, Grant observed, never underestimate the will of the American people.
“The spirit and determination of the United States is real and it’s powerful,” he maintained. “Allow it to bolster morale and strengthen self-confidence. It will … New Jersey’s first responders have a history that runs deep and long, providing service to the citizens of this state and those who visit and pass through its borders.
“Hold your head high and know when the mission gets tough, you have demonstrated the will to respond and go the extra mile.”
