Second Saturday Shout-out: 9/11 Heroes
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11/2001, this month’s should out goes to all of the heroes that day.
Of the 2,977 victims killed in the attacks, 412 were emergency workers who responded to the World Trade Center in New York City. This included 341 firefighters, one firefighter chaplain, two paramedics, 37 police officers of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, 23 police officers of the New York City Police Department, 8 emergency medical technicians and paramedics from private emergency medical services, 3 New York State Court Officers, and 1 patrolman from the New York Fire Patrol.
These brave men and women died while fulfilling their duties to protect and serve. Their loss left a lasting impact on many— not only their friends and families, but also their fellow servicemen. There were 75 firehouses in which at least one member was killed. For those who survived, the events that day have left a painful memory and a mark on their legacy. For some, even worse. Nearly 343 more firefighters have died since then from 9/11-related illnesses. The New York Police Department has also lost more than 200 former and current officers due to 9/11-related diseases, and more than 500 have related cancers.
I was in the 8th grade on that historical Tuesday morning. I attended a Pre-K through 8th grade private school in Dunedin, FL, so we were the oldest students on campus and the administrators felt it would be best to tell us first. They brought all 35 of us 8th graders back into our home room and tried to explain the events while the news played on the TV in the background. I remember being extremely confused. I had never heard the word “terrorist” or “terrorism” before, and I just couldn’t comprehend why someone would purposefully hurt so many innocent people. To this day, I get nervous when I feel like a plane is flying too low.
But I also learned a lot from that day about what it means to be a hero. I saw bravery in action, as men and women were rushing into the building to help others get out. I’ve read about the efforts of many, like Benjamin Clark, a Chef and former Marine who saved hundreds of lives trying to help others to safety. Or Moira Smith, the only female NYPD officer who died that day while leading countless injured people from the twin towers. Or those on United Flight 93, like Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett, and Jeremy Glick, who formed the plan to retake the plane from hijackers, possibly saving hundreds of lives as the plane was believed to be headed towards the US Capitol Building or the White House.
I also learned how our country can be united. Patriotism, empathy, and unity swept the nation. I have family members who were also young that day, but have since decided to join the community of those who risk their lives to protect others. I don’t think we give them enough credit. To those who have died and to those who survived the 9/11 attacks, I pray for you often. To those who continued or have since began your journey to become firefighters, police officers, or military personnel, we owe you more than I can fathom.
Here’s to the Heroes.
