The widow of an FDNY chief who died in the September 11th Terrorist Attacks expressed anger over what she called a “flippant” comment made by President Joe Biden about the anniversary. Joanne Barbara, whose husband Fire Department Chief Gerard A. Barbara perished when the South Tower collapsed, criticized Biden’s language during a solemn tribute to her late husband and the other victims at a memorial ceremony held this morning.
Barbara referenced President Biden’s remarks made earlier this week when the president told reporters that he was “doing 9/11,” a statement that many, including Barbara, found disrespectful. Speaking at the 9/11 Memorial in downtown Manhattan, she condemned Biden’s comment as showing a lack of reverence for the significance of the day and the families who will forever grieve their lost loved ones.
“The elected officials here today show their respect and reverence to the families on Sept. 11, or – in our president’s words – ‘do 9/11,’ quite a flippant remark,” Barbara said during her speech, which Biden was in attendance for. She reminded the audience that for the families of the victims, 9/11 is a pain that endures every day.
In her speech, Barbara also addressed the controversial plea deals offered to the alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other terrorists involved in the attacks. The plea deals, which would have allowed the accused to avoid the death penalty, were met with widespread outrage, prompting Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to rescind the agreements in August. Barbara praised the role that public outcry played in the reversal, stating, “If not for the 9/11 families, who knows what would have transpired?”
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The memorial ceremony included tributes from other family members of 9/11 victims. Some reflected on the last moments of their loved ones, while others emphasized the importance of understanding the ongoing threats posed by terrorist organizations. The event paused six times in remembrance of key moments from that horrific September day 23 years ago.
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At today’s 9/11 memorial ceremony, one widow’s sharp words stood out. She condemned President Biden’s comment and called for justice for victims’ families. Read more on the emotional tributes and her powerful message. #NeverForget #911Memorial #Justice
