We were forever changed by the events of September 11, 2001. Our thoughts and our prayers will always be with the heroes who perished that fateful day and their families.

To honor these courageous men and women, a New Jersey September 11th Memorial will be constructed at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, directly across the Hudson River from "Ground Zero" in Lower Manhattan. As Governor, I am inviting you to consider submitting a concept for the design of this important project.

The New Jersey September 11th Memorial will be a lasting symbol of our resolve to honor those who died by rising above the evil that claimed their lives. The massive attack, which claimed the lives of 700 New Jerseyans, was intended to break our spirit. It has not done that. It has made us more determined and more resolved.

As Governor, I encourage designers, architects, artists, and any other interested individuals to submit a concept design for the memorial. The deadline is April 30, 2004. A professional jury consisting of distinguished design professionals will evaluate each submission as part of a first stage review and will nominate a group of finalists for a second stage proposal submission. Families and Survivors Council members will then select the winning design from the field of second stage submissions. The winning design will be announced in June 2004.

Thank you for your support of this most important endeavor. With your dedication and commitment, the New Jersey September 11th Memorial will be a most fitting and appropriate site for contemplation and remembrance.

With all good wishes,

The State of New Jersey intends to set aside an area of the northeast end of Liberty State Park for a memorial to the New Jersey citizens who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Proposers are challenged to design a memorial that will communicate the course of events that day, capture the personal and societal feelings of loss, and celebrate the strength of character and resolve those events evoked from all freedom-loving people, in a dignified and respectful way.

This is a national, open, two-stage design competition, the purpose of which is to select a Memorial Park design. The deadline for submission of proposals is April 30, 2004, at 3 p.m. However, registration closes April 1, 2004.

Proposers may register online or by mailing the registration form in the Request for Proposal.