The day that is forever etched in our memory.
I know exactly where I was and what I was doing when I first heard the terrible news on that day. I was on my way to work, stuck in a traffic on 105 Freeway going west, just passing the 710 Freeway underneath when I first heard the news on the radio.
Before the Summer was over, I took my family to an 11-day vacation to visit Philadelphia, Washington DC, Gettysburg, Niagra Falls, Boston, and New York. I called it "Discover America Heritage Trip" to teach my five kids the birth place of the US, hoping that visiting all the historic places would give them better perspective as they learn about the US history in their schools.
So one place we stopped by (only three weeks ago) was the 911 Memorial Site in the heart of New York City. Of all the places to visit, this place drew our hearts like a magnet. Partly to actually see the Ground Zero that we have heard so much about over the years, but more importantly to pay respect and remember nearly 3000 lives lost, and to honor the fallen NYFD firefighter heroes.
There were people taking pictures, children running around, constructions going and some puting hands on the inscribed names of those perished to reflect, and to try to make some sense out of what happened. Amidst the heavy city traffic and noises of the building constructions taking place all around, the 911 Memorial Site was very quite and somber and peaceful. In that stillness and quietness, the memorial seemed to cry out for peace, and it was clearly louder than the noisy clutters of the city and the voices of people that surrounded it.
911 - May We Never Forget.
Benjamin (in black) reflecting on the 911 Memorial
Reflecting Pool with the names of people perished inscribed around the perimeter.
My kids (not the woman with the bag) observe the reflecting pool, my wife on the right with a red backpack.
One of the new World Trade Center going up.
The ground at the 911 Memorial Site
Crumbled aluminum sheet from the building.
Yes, May We Never Forget - A Memorial to NYFD
343 NYFD Firefighers that have perished in their services - You are our Heroes!
My wife Jody and I at the 911 Memorial visit on August 24, 2012.
Any word on ep submissions for any agencies?
ReplyDeleteI am curious also. I wondered if any agencies, SWS-Dillon-Holt, had any EPs issued under the new law? I heard from a mother with Dillon and they were told to fill out some forms for court but had not had a call on EPs yet. Just wondered if the court was gearing up to take on new EPs? Have you heard anything Steve?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this story and pictures of your family vacation. You have a beautiful family.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing the wonderful photos of your holidays it was very thoughtful of you!
ReplyDelete