Because We Are Americans Page 3

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/14/2001 1:40 AM EDT

  SUBJECT: I WAS THERE!

  I am a chief officer in the New York City Fire Department. I arrived at the scene at approx. 9:10 AM, minutes after the second plane struck Tower 2.

  We were setting up a command post on West Street, just opposite the South Tower. Units dispatched from Brooklyn started to arrive and were being deployed to begin to enter the South Tower. Another chief who was with me decided to lead the newly arrived Brooklyn units into the building. I remained at the command post to coordinate the arrival of additional units dispatched to the scene.

  I remember thinking, “How do you attack 30 floors of fire 70 stories above street level?”

  Suddenly there was a loud noise, and I looked up to see the whole building splitting apart. It seemed that everything was going in slow motion. Tons of glass, steel and concrete falling from the sky directly above us. I turned to run, knowing all along that there was no way I could outrun a 110 story-building coming to the ground.

  All I can remember was being knocked to the ground, with pieces of debris landing all around me, until the whole world went black in a choking dust cloud. I remember a firefighter yelling out “I don’t want to die here” and me responding “Neither do I, brother.” Well, we didn’t. All I can say is that I’m still here by the grace of God—I wish I could say the same for the other chief and the firefighters who entered the building only seconds before me.

  Officially they are listed as “missing.” I ask anyone who reads this post to pray for their souls and for their loved ones to help them accept that these men died doing the work that they loved. “Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his neighbor.”

  I am proud to have known such heroes.

  “I will never look at a firefighter the same way again. What is it in someone, hundreds of them, to compel them to run into a burning building while everyone else is running out, just to save people they don’t even know? Their bravery has become part of our collective national legacy. Their bravery dignifies us all.”

  —THE REVEREND BILL HYBELS, WILLOW CREEK COMMUNITY CHURCH, SOUTH BARRINGTON, ILLINOIS, The New York Times 9/17/2001

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/17/2001 10:35 AM EDT

  SUBJECT: TO THE FAMILY OF FDNY CHIEF GANSI: THANK YOU

  My husband, a fireman from Brooklyn, was in the first collapse. He survived.

  As he was climbing out to safety, Chief Gansi was in front of the building. He waved to my husband and gave orders which led him in a different direction from where he was headed—and as a result of those orders, his life was saved.

  Our deepest sympathy and gratitude. I am forever grateful.

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/23/2001 1:57 PM EDT

  SUBJECT: MY FATHER, MY HERO

  My dad was a NYC fire captain. On September 11, he rushed into the WTC to try to help rescue others. He never made it out.

  Out of the 12 men from his company who went into the building, only 2 of their bodies were found, including my dad’s. I guess we are pretty lucky in that respect. I’d just like to say thanks to all the people helping my family get through this and to all the people doing anything to help during this time of crisis and mourning.

  “But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract.”

  —ABRAHAM LINCOLN, GETTYSBURG ADDRESS

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/20/2001 3:02 PM EDT

  SUBJECT: BROTHERS: A POEM WRITTEN BY A FIREFIGHTER

  They were my brothers, I knew not their names.

  They took a job they loved, not for fortune or fame.

  Respond to the Trade Center without hesitation,

  Bear witness to a scene of utter devastation.

  Stretch lines to the upper floors and it will be hot,

  Not knowing yet this was an evil man’s plot.

  Then out of nowhere, a second plane in, Sealing the fate of those still within.

  And in an instant, the buildings they fell,

  In a cloud of smoke and fire reminiscent of hell.

  We will pray for the families of those who were lost,

  Freedom and liberty at such a high cost.

  They had a job, they went to work, heroes all the same,

  for they were my brothers, I knew not their names.

  “Firefighters are the first lines of defense. They do the things that you and I would never do. They run up in the World Trade Center after a jumbo jet flies into it. They’re running up as people are fleeing. What more can be said?”

  —PETE JANHUMEN, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS SPOKESMAN, Salon.com 9/13/2001

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/17/2001 7:34 PM EDT

  SUBJECT: THANK YOU TO OUR HERO

  My wife and I would like to thank the police officer or fireman who picked up our daughter who had fallen and kept her moving away from the first tower as it came down.

  You may have saved her life.

  I know you saved ours.

  You are our hero, whoever you are.

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/17/2001 7:21 PM EDT

  SUBJECT: FALLEN HEROES

  This is to all of the NY Finest and the NY Bravest. One of whom is my dad.

  To My Dad, My Hero

  You give it all, although there is so much to bear.

  You search beneath the rubble and the sights you encounter, others wouldn’t dare.

  You are a picture of strength to all, not just to me.

  But when you look in the mirror, I know that is not what you see.

  I’ve wondered where you are these past few nights. Especially in the wind and the cold,

  Yet even through the chill and darkness, I know you’ll never fold.

  I think about how wonderful it is to have a Dad as compassionate as you,

  One who goes the distance, always, through and through.

  I know it is selfish of me, you see

  I wish you were home with Mom and me.

  Be strong; hold your head up,

  Know when you come home, our flag will be flying high.

  For those who have lost their lives,

  And for those who were ready and willing to die.

  “Before the collapse, I remember a police officer jumping on top of me. He saved my life, and I never saw him again.”

  —AN OFFICE WORKER FROM THE 80TH FLOOR WHO HAD ALMOST MADE IT TO THE BOTTOM OF ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER, Newsday 9/13/2001

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/15/2001 12:24 AM EDT

  SUBJECT: INSPIRED MILITARY OFFICER

  As an active duty Army pilot, I am inspired by the heroism of all the brave men and women on the planes, in the buildings, and in the rescue efforts since this terrible event took place on September 11, 2001.

  For twelve years of service, I have asked myself what circumstances would allow me to face death without even a second of hesitation while carrying out my mission. The passengers of the downed aircraft in Pennsylvania recognized their fate and took action. I only hope when death greets me, that I will face it with such dignity and bravery.

  This demonstration of courage has given me a reason to continue to serve my country. I have never been so proud of my country or my fellow citizens.

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/15/2001 12:54 AM EDT

  SUBJECT: THE MANY UNSUNG HEROES

  I am writing this as I have just returned from the World Trade Center site, spending the last four days searching the rubble in the hopes of finding some sign of life, of hope, of ANYTHING. I am a firefighter and emergency medical technician, and even though I am ONLY a volunteer, I believe that helping others is my moral and civic duty.

  However, while searching through the rubble, I realized that America has its values a little backwards. We pay millions of dollars to athletes just because they have that “special skill” of running after a ball, or hitting one. While they earn the millions, we—professional firefighters and
EMS personnel—make barely enough to live off, but you won’t hear us complain.

  I think that EMS personnel should make a little more than they currently do because, day in and day out, we respond to emergencies, never knowing just what to expect, and not worrying about it, because it’s our job. We go to situations that most people are running from, while we are running directly into it, “just because we want to help.”

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/21/2001 10:16 AM EDT

  SUBJECT: TRIBUTE TO NYC: YOU ANSWERED YOUR LAST CALL

  (Dedicated to the brave NYC firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty September 11, 2001 at the World Trade disaster)

  I remember the alarm on that fateful day,

  As we responded in haste, to be carried away.

  With sirens screaming our advancing pace,

  We answered the call by taking our place.

  We have answered this call many times before,

  You see it’s our job, we expect no less, no more.

  We know the danger that comes with the quest,

  But we answered that call, by doing our best.

  We are armed with the weapons of life-saving gear,

  The voices of so many, calling us near.

  Then we arrived at this god-awful sight,

  The towers ablaze, no time for fear, just fight.

  This was an act of evil, so many souls could be lost,

  We must strive to save as many, at whatever the cost.

  Into the lobby, and then down the hall,

  I rush up the steps, to answer the call.

  My heart is now pounding, the sweat pours down my face,

  But I keep moving at a life-saving pace.

  Shouting out orders as I continue my quest,

  “GET DOWN, KEEP MOVING!” I shout,

  “PLEASE GOD! HELP ME!” I’m doing my best.

  Then all at once I hear a thunderous roar from above,

  My life flashes before me, images of those whom I love.

  Then out of nowhere I am led by the hand,

  by this unknown person, who is this man?

  He carried me out of this inferno from hell,

  As he lifted my soul, just when everything fell.

  Now I am at peace, just comfort, no pain,

  Who is this man who offered his hand when my tears fell like rain?

  I now stand before this bright heavenly light,

  To raise my head and ask, who came to my plight?

  Then I hear a voice speak from above as my eyes roam,

  “My Son, do not fear, for he has taken you home.

  “He’s just like you, you see.

  He answered my call.

  He was just doing his job, giving his all.

  His boots and his helmet were supplied from above,

  And his power and strength came from those that you love.

  You see, even up here when the alarm bell rings,

  They answer your call, these firefighters with wings.

  He carried you away from that horrible place,

  when you cried out to ME, for my love and my grace.

  “Your mission is over, my Son,

  You answered your last call.

  You saved so many lives, walk tall and be proud.

  My Son, take my hand and walk into the light,

  And dwell with me forever in GOD’S heavenly might.”

  “The truly fearless think of themselves as normal.”

  —MARGARET ATWOOD, “THE WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS”

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/15/2001 8:12 PM EDT

  SUBJECT: RE: FATHER MYCHAL JUDGE

  I cannot tell you what a loss for you that you didn’t have the pleasure of knowing or meeting Father Judge. Unfortunately, my interaction with him was under awful circumstances.

  He was friends with my father, who endured two terrible illnesses, the second resulting in his death. During both times of illness, Father Judge came to visit with my dad in the hospital. My father was a wonderful singer, with a great love of music, and Father would come to sing to him, to lift his spirits, to let my dad know that he was loved.

  The very first time I met Father Judge was outside an elevator in the hospital. He had never seen me before, and upon learning my identity, he immediately placed his big hand on my head and prayed for me, my father, and my family. He then gave my mother and me gold Celtic crosses to pin to our lapels. I still have them.

  Throughout the entire time Dad was sick, he was there for Dad. And us. Dad and he visited. He would call to see how Dad was doing, and later, after his death, to see how my mom was doing.

  And when my father (a retired fire marshal for the City of New York and member of the FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums) passed away, I called Father Judge and told him we would love it if he would deliver the mass. He told me he would be honored.

  Father Judge delivered an incredibly beautiful eulogy about the most important man in my life, and it was personal. It was filled with stories of who my dad was and what he meant to Father Judge and all of us. And it was sincere.

  I know that my story is not unusual. It is one of many. He was a fine example of what a human being should be, and New York, along with the rest of the world, has suffered a major loss.

  “We were there about 14 hours straight, battling smoke in the dark. But the most frustrating thing was we had to keep dropping our gear and running for our lives when we wanted to stay and save other lives.”

  —ANDREA KAISER, A FIREFIGHTER AT THE PENTAGON, The New York Times 9/14/2001

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/24/2001 6:04 PM EDT

  SUBJECT: HEROES ARE EVERYWHERE

  I consider my son a hero. What makes him and a lot of his friends heroes is that in just a couple of days they organized an event that took place on Sunday the 16th—a battle of the bands–type of get-together—and made $33,000 for the victims!

  There are people all across the country doing things like this, and they are all heroes—they are at the very foundation of what makes this such a great country.

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/23/2001 11:37 PM EDT

  SUBJECT: WHAT ABOUT THE IRON WORKERS

  My husband is a NY firefighter. His firehouse made a sign:

  NYPD FDNY

  IRON WORKERS

  WILL OF STEEL UNITE TOGETHER.

  It’s hanging on the American Express Building.

  Any firefighter you talk to will tell you: If it wasn’t for the steel workers, no bodies would be found . . .

  “People came out and made signs and are cheering the rescue workers on. Every time a vehicle passes—fire, police, even Con Ed—people yell out, ‘You are our heroes.’”

  —MAN ON THE WEST SIDE HIGHWAY, Salon.com 9/13/2001

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/17/2001 5:44 PM EDT

  SUBJECT: MY BROTHER, ORDINARY HERO

  There were many heroes that day. The firemen, police, and EMTs are rightly heralded for their acts of bravery.

  But there were thousands of other heroes in the streets of NYC on Sept. 11.

  The fact that so many lived is a testimony of the strength and courage of New Yorkers. There was not one lick of mob mentality on the streets. I was there, under WTC 5. Everyone was upset, nervous, but we moved in an orderly fashion without direction. No one trampled another or said “me first.”

  My brother helped two older co-workers to escape the carnage. He could have made a much speedier escape if he had left them behind, but as he says, that was not an option.

  Our mayor, Rudy Giuliani, is the personification of the spirit of NYC. The country heralds his actions, but I saw thousands of ordinary New Yorkers act in heroic fashion as we ran for our lives through the streets of the city we love.

  “I was on crutches, and I couldn’t get down the stairs. A co-worker I barely knew carried me all the way down to the EMT guys outside.”

  —A WOMAN WHO WORKED ON THE 64TH FLOOR OF TOWER 2, The New York Times 9/12/2001

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/18/2001 2:37 AM EDT

  SUBJECT: THE
Y KNEW THEY WERE GOING TO DIE

  Risking their lives for others was something they had already come to grips with . . . these firefighters bravely climbed farther and farther away from the line of safety. Many knew they were going to die if they stayed—but they did stay.

  These are true heroes to the city that employed them; to the department that trained them; to the men who fathered them; to the women who mothered them; to the wives who were a part of them; to the children who loved them.

  To the ones who gave their lives so that others may live—thank you.

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/16/2001 9:30 PM EDT

  SUBJECT: UNSUNG HEROES

  The firefighters, police officers or EMS workers who perished on Sept. 11, 2001 were NOT heroes that day.

  They became heroes the day they first put on a uniform and decided to dedicate their lives to serving the public.

  Each one knew the risks involved with this line of work and did not assume this calling for glory or recognition, but simply for the sake of knowing that he might be able to help a fellow human being.

  It’s too bad that it takes a tragedy for these most honorable men and women to be recognized for their heroism, when it is nothing short of heroic for them to arrive at work each day.

  I hope that every time you pass a police station, fire department, ambulance, or hospital, you say a silent prayer of thanks to all who work within. Someday, one of these dedicated professionals may risk his life to save yours.

  FROM AN AOL POST, 9/16/2001 6:09 PM EDT

  SUBJECT: OTHERS WHO SHOWED GREAT HEROISM

  I am a NYC police officer who is lucky enough to have survived two collapses while trying to help others who had difficulty helping themselves. In addition to all of the firefighters, police, and EMS who assisted in the evacuation of 1 WTC, I would also like to pay tribute to all of the others who were heavily involved who put their necks on the line. These include the following: