A Missed Historical Snapshot for NJ from Washington, DC

It looks like one of the great snapshots in New Jersey legal history was missed by cameras, reporters and columnists last week.
The Cabinet entered the House. As we waited for President Bush to enter and deliver the State of the Union, two of the greatest minds to serve the U.S. Department of Justice -- and the people of New Jersey -- shook hands.
The Hon. Samuel A. Alito, Jr., fresh from a much-too-political confirmation, was standing with his new Supreme Court colleagues. As unassuming and personable as he is brilliant, you could see Sam surveying the room, probably reflecting in awe how a life of hard work and scholarly/legal brilliance had taken him to the Supreme Court.
Coming into camera view from across the room -- the man that Sam brought to New Jersey as first assistant and later succeeded him as U.S. Attorney. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff came to offer his congratulations.
Mike was a renowned mob-buster in the Southern District of New York who continued that tradition as U.S. Attorney in the District of New Jersey before joining the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
The Secretary of Homeland Security shakes the hand of the new Supreme Court Associate Justice. What a moment for New Jersey.
Every AUSA, paralegal and support staff person who toiled long hours when these two headed the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey can take great pleasure in this great snapshot in history.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of New Jersey has a storied history of professionalism free from politics and continues to be a model for all other federal districts. Sam and Mike, and then the Hon. Faith S. Hochberg who followed Mike, carried on and enhanced that tradition.
For a decade I lead public affairs for the N.J. U.S. Attorney's Office, serving as spokesman for Sam, Mike and Faith, directing media relations for some of he biggest civil and criminal cases in the country.
I was lucky to work with them and we're all lucky to have Sam and Mike in Washington.
P.S. Corrections solicited. If you're aware of print or electronic media that mentioned this famous handshake please let me know.
R.L.