Human life has been likened to the four seasons. Spring, the start and renewal of life. Summer, the living of life. Fall, the maturing of life, and winter signals the end of life. Poetic, to be sure, but when winter comes to a family far ahead of its time, poetic beauty is lost and replaced with the harsh realities of life.

Martin Niederer, was in the summer of his life. It was his time to live, to enjoy, to savor every moment of every day. But, on September 11th, 2001, Martin’s summer turned into winter. In a moment’s time, far too soon, his life on this earth ended.

Today, we pay tribute to Martin Niederer, one of the 2,996 people whose earthly existence ended on 9/11. Each of the 2,996 deserves their own tribute. Their memory, and the reason they are no longer here, must forever be remembered. It is my privilege to honor Martin Niederer. And, to the other 2, 995 victims of 9/11, rest assured, we shall never forget!

Martin Niederer, was America. His hard work, dedication, love of family and friends, exemplified the America he loved, and the America he would have been proud to die for, if given the choice. Martin, did not have a choice. The enemies of America took Martin’s life, robbing his family and friends of a treasure placed in their hands by God.

By the age of 23, Martin had lived a life many people dream of. He had three passions in life, basketball, family, and later the world of business.

Martin loved basketball. He played point guard, and did it well. After growing up in Western New Jersey, Martin attended the University of Vermont, where he continued to play basketball.

But, Martin was always open to explore the possibilities that life could offer, and on a trip to Wall Street, he discovered the world of finance. Martin’s love for basketball would always remain a part of him, but the business world was calling, and Martin answered that call with the same dedication he applied to all areas of his life.

After graduating from the University of Vermont in 1999, Martin was recruited by Cantor Fitzegerald, and begin his career as a securities trader.

Martin’s head and heart were always in the right place. He maintained close ties with his family, and would often have them over for dinner. Martin also enjoyed entertaining his friends. Martin was living the good life, a life he had earned by hard work and due diligence.

On September 11, 2001, Martin arrived early at his office in the Twin Towers. He sent out an e-mail to a friend around 7:45 a.m. “That was the last anyone heard from him,” said Charles Niederer, Martin’s father.

Martin is survived by his parents, Charles W. and Marilyn Niederer of Richmond, Va., and a brother, Brian Charles Niederer of Atlanta.

Martin was a young man with his life in front of him. He was in the summer of his life. Family, romance, a family of his own, all were within his sights. Martin was robbed of those things, and so were we.

But, Martin did leave us his life. He left us with memories of a young man who knew how to turn dreams into reality. Martin left us with memories of a young man who valued family above business, and who had America’s dream in his heart.

I have a feeling that when Martin walked into a room, the room became a brighter place to be. He was the energy that sparked others into action, he was the catalyst for a thousand good deeds. His life, and how he lived it remains an example of balancing family, business, and relationships, so that none suffers, but all are enriched. A rare gift indeed. But, so was Martin.

We will never forget you Martin. Thank you for enriching our lives.

We will never forget!