firestang70
09-08-2011, 01:38 PM
Well as everyone is aware the 10 yr anniversary to 9/11 looms. As a career firefighter this day is special to me. I never got to serve in the military and is my biggest regret in life. Veterans Day I know is a special day for our Veterans and hold a strong reverence for those that have served. But 9/11 is a day that tugs at my heart like no other.
I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was working at one of my part time fire jobs. I was out in the bay checking apparatus. I noticed my partner was missing, so I went to check on him. He was in the dayroom just blindly staring at the TV. The north tower had been struck. I just came in and was glued to the TV. I saw the south tower struck live. At that point I just looked at my partner and said "Bill we've been attacked....." He was a pastor full time. We knelt there and prayed for those that had surely perished.
I watched with pride as FDNY personnel showed up and did what we do. We run into the chaos and mitigate. Those entering those buildings that day knew that this was a defining moment. In the back of their minds they had to know that their personal safety was in jeopardy. They continued on without a moment of hesitation. I know because thats what we do. I would have been elbow to elbow with those 343 and done my job, my calling. How I feel for those wives,husbands, children, that lost those brave souls that day. But how proud I am that we have those Americans that would stand up to the chaos and help those in need.
I came home that night to a scared family. Unsure what would come next. I told my wife I was calling my friend a recruiter the next morning. She was upset but knew there wasnt anything stopping me. I did talk the next day and told me there was no way they would take me with my diabetes. I just wanted to do something, I was angry and needed something. I put in a request with my Chief to go to NY and help. It was denied and I felt helpless and still angry. I had a mentor pull me to the side. He told me the only thing I could do was to the best for those that called me for help. He was right and I made a vow to do my best to help those that called. Most people here think I ma just a goof. Those that know me or work with me know I take the job seriously. I want those 343 to know they did not perish in vain.
I watched a documentary with my family about 9/11. They didnt know how to respond when they saw their dad silently crying. They have probably only seen me cry twice in their lifetime.
Thank God for those 343. Thank God for all the responders. Thank God for our military that took up that fight for us. I am proud to be an American. I am thankful I have a job that I love. But equally saddened by the apathy of the general public. Bin Laden I hope all the virgins you were promised have a penis.
I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was working at one of my part time fire jobs. I was out in the bay checking apparatus. I noticed my partner was missing, so I went to check on him. He was in the dayroom just blindly staring at the TV. The north tower had been struck. I just came in and was glued to the TV. I saw the south tower struck live. At that point I just looked at my partner and said "Bill we've been attacked....." He was a pastor full time. We knelt there and prayed for those that had surely perished.
I watched with pride as FDNY personnel showed up and did what we do. We run into the chaos and mitigate. Those entering those buildings that day knew that this was a defining moment. In the back of their minds they had to know that their personal safety was in jeopardy. They continued on without a moment of hesitation. I know because thats what we do. I would have been elbow to elbow with those 343 and done my job, my calling. How I feel for those wives,husbands, children, that lost those brave souls that day. But how proud I am that we have those Americans that would stand up to the chaos and help those in need.
I came home that night to a scared family. Unsure what would come next. I told my wife I was calling my friend a recruiter the next morning. She was upset but knew there wasnt anything stopping me. I did talk the next day and told me there was no way they would take me with my diabetes. I just wanted to do something, I was angry and needed something. I put in a request with my Chief to go to NY and help. It was denied and I felt helpless and still angry. I had a mentor pull me to the side. He told me the only thing I could do was to the best for those that called me for help. He was right and I made a vow to do my best to help those that called. Most people here think I ma just a goof. Those that know me or work with me know I take the job seriously. I want those 343 to know they did not perish in vain.
I watched a documentary with my family about 9/11. They didnt know how to respond when they saw their dad silently crying. They have probably only seen me cry twice in their lifetime.
Thank God for those 343. Thank God for all the responders. Thank God for our military that took up that fight for us. I am proud to be an American. I am thankful I have a job that I love. But equally saddened by the apathy of the general public. Bin Laden I hope all the virgins you were promised have a penis.