FireRescue1 asked our fans on Facebook to reflect on several aspects of the tragic day of Sept. 11, 2001, when more than 3,000 people were killed, including 343 firefighters in New York City.
Answers given by fans expressed a full range of emotions — sorrow, anger, pride, gratitude and more.
Many of the younger fans were in school when those fateful events unfolded, and grew up inspired to join the fire service in memory of the sacrifice firefighters made on that day.
Here are some of the highlights from our Facebook page — and please share your own stories and memories in the member comments section below.
If you could speak to our fallen heroes of 9/11, what would you say to them?
“Thank you. Thank you for being strong and going into those buildings knowing you probably wont come out. Thank you for making those sacrifices to save so MANY.” -Aaron Cook
“You are the reason I am a fire fighter today. You risked your life to save the lives of others. It was a tragic day, and I thank you for your dedication and your services for the community.” -James Kleban
“Thanks guys...we’ll take it from here, RIP, and BTW... WE GOT THE S.O.B.!!!!” -Kristi Rivera Ramos
“No words can describe the feelings that would overwhelm me if I was in their presence. I would ask them to watch over our fellow brothers and sisters in emergency services.” -Joe Crikey O’Donnell
How do you turn this tragedy into inspiration?
"343 guardian angels sit on my shoulder because of their sacrifice.” -Patrick Dolan
“We honor them by acting as they did... professionally and selflessly.” -Walter Corrigan
“343+ more reasons to get on that truck and serve those in need at their worst time.” -Brian Bundy
“My son was 11 at the time of this tragedy, he is now a Firefighter/EMT and is going into the military. The bravery of the 343 has set his life on this path, a path that I could not be more proud of.” -Marie Ferrell Buto
What does September 11 mean to you now that 10 years have gone by?
“It means that every time the whistle blows, the bell hits, or the tones sound that we have a responsibility to our fallen brothers to be the BEST firefighters we can be, and to carry on in their tradition of service, courage and excellence. And career versus volunteer be damned.” -Frank Johnson
“I remember I was five years old when it happened. I wanted to be one of the firefighters helping in any way possible. In a selfish way, I used to be glad I wasn’t. But now that I’m older, if I did get that call, I wouldn’t hesitate to do whatever was needed.” -Lee Chavez
“It’s a day not only of remembrance, but reflection... a somber day of innocence lost. A day marked by the realism of how fragile peace & liberty truly are if they’re taken for granted. We must never forget what the world was like before the attacks, how its changed since and keep the spirits of those lost alive.” -Cliff Burns
“I was in 3rd grade on Sept. 11th and remember watching all, now my heroes, run in while others ran out. I didn’t understand that... Now I am a firefighter.” -Rebecca Winstead
What were you doing when you heard the news 10 years ago?
“I was in 5th grade. I am now a full time FF. I feel bad when people thank me because I am not a hero. All the men as women who lost their lives on 9/11 are the heroes.” -Trevor Wittick
“Driving up Route 9 enjoying the gorgeous weather with the roof open and I got a phone call. I’m from N.J. and I lost a person I knew who I saw 15 hours earlier, in my office. It has burned in my heart.” -Ken Ro
“I was in the Bronx touring a firehouse with my Uncle who was a Captain, scariest day of my life.” -Justin Hutchins
“I was in the third grade, and now ten years later I am on the job remembering that day as a brother instead of a civilian, weird how time progresses.” -Peter Nich