As the second anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11 is at hand, all minds and hearts turn to those who gave the supreme sacrifice on that day.
Every American, each fire department, has its own memories, and ways of memorializing this date. We each have our story of where we were, and what we did on that day. We each have our own connection to 9/11. We need to keep 9/11 in our hearts and give our respects to those who died on the day that changed all of our lives.
While all of us will never forget the vivid images we saw on 9/11, it is the small things that are important.
I made multiple trips to the WTC, and it is an area I knew very well. I worked at One Liberty Plaza that is directly across from the WTC, which meant I came through the WTC path train at 9 o’clock every morning.
While I moved one year before 9/11, my memories of the area brought the tragedy home. And as we all mourned for the 343 of our brothers who didn’t come home, I also was moved to tears for all of the countless people trapped on the path trains, and in the basement of the WTC…
When I say it is the little things that get you, I mean it. I can still picture the little deli in the basement, and its workers. It was the only place in NY where I could walk in, have someone recognize me, and have my breakfast waiting for me.
So while we mourn for those lost on 9/11, I spend a bit of time remembering the faces of those who remembered me, and now I will always remember.
The other thing that really tugs my heart strings was the showing of love at the memorial fences around the WTC. I walked down the fences, and was amazed at the love and compassion shown by what people left there. For those of you who didn’t get to see the wall, my personal collection of pictures is at: http://www.volunteerfd.org/nycpics.php )
I thank you for allowing me to ramble on about my memories about 9/11, and now I give you your chance. I have opened up the message board for remembering 9/11, and I look forward to hearing the little things that touched you.
The message board is located at http://www.volunteerfd.org/phorum/list.php?f=11