By Patty Ryan

As we mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11, I feel compelled to speak not only from my heart as a widow, but also from my experience after years of advocating for the widows and children of those murdered that day.

Nearly 3,000 lives were stolen on September 11, 2001 — more than 700 of them from New Jersey. Husbands, fathers, mothers, wives — mostly men who went to work or first responders who ran toward danger — never came home.

Left behind were women and children, suddenly tasked with holding shattered families together.

For us, 9/11 has never been a date in history. It is a daily reality. Our children grew up without parents. Many have struggled with depression, mental health issues, or worse. Children’s grief is lifelong. It does not disappear with time.

And yet, 24 yea

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