memories of September 11th

Heroes of 9/11 Remembered

In the days, weeks, and month's following 9/11, The New York State Firefighters Memorial received over 1000 guestbook entries and email messages from around the world. In addition, hundreds of cards and letters were received, with messages of sympathy and hope for our FDNY brothers and their families. In November, 2001, I made a trip to Rescue One in Manhattan to deliver these notes.

Some of my visitors expressed their feelings in poetry, some of which I felt should be shared with the world. So I have done that on these pages.
Here is 9/11 remembered in pictures and poetry.

Bob Fickies

Stairway to Heaven

By Sue Ikerd
They were on their way to Heaven as they hurried up the stairs,
Not only were they heroes, they were angels unaware.
Just going about their duties, as they had many times before
Little did they realize they were soldiers in a war.
As the victims fled the buildings on that tragic fateful day
These brave men hurried past them, with no thought to harm’s way
We can hear the bagpipes clearly as they play Amazing Grace
In salute to fallen comrades, who are in a better place
We can see their fearless faces as up those stairs they trod
Right into the gates of Heaven and before the throne of God

Till My Last Breath

by D. Mathes

I walked through the crumbling metal valley, and fear fell upon me. A terror was brought to my soul, with gray swirling darkness. No time to say good-bye, no last kiss, I grab at the swarming cloud that surrounds me and choke with my last breaths. With my last touch I reach for a hand, a cry from my fellow man. I cannot save this soul, I can only try in the last minutes of our lives to bring comfort. This is who and what I am. My life has had one direction, responding always to the call. Each day I reach out, today is no different, I crawl to your cries. I cried at what man has done, took my last breath and held a hand. This is who and what I am, Fireman.
Twin Towers

The Firefighters!

by Hartmut Reinsch ©

 
In the battle against the beastly fire... 
They stay together, ready to fight! 
To help all the victims of every accident, 
Committed to rescue, by day and by night. 
These are the courageous Firefighters, 
In their cities and towns of every land. 
They stand together as really true friends, 
Routinely they're all working hand in hand. 
Everyone of them looks after the other, 
Their brotherhood knows no borders...! 
They are ready to help in their unselfish way, 
Without fear, they follow their orders! 
Many of them gave their lives in New York, 
On September the eleventh, two thousand and one...! 
Firefighters everywhere will remember that day, 
And their feelings of loss will never be gone.

SHOW ME MY BUDDY

by Rose Dark

Show me my buddy, show me his face,
show me my buddy, he disappeared without trace.
He entered that building with hope in his heart,
he was aware of the danger right from the start.
That did not stop him from his mission at hand,
to rescue and protect everyone that he can.
Show me my buddy, just one more time,
what kind of person could commit such a crime.
You may not have known him but my brother he'll always be,
tucked in the corner of my heart, just look and see.
We are not regular guys and refuse to give in,
hours, weeks, months we'll continue to look for our kin.
Sifting through that building, turning over every brick 'til we are done,
God looking over our shoulders along with his son.
What a horrible deed, a terrible shame,
too many of my brothers it did claim.
Just show me my buddy, I continue to pray,
let me embrace him on this very day.
We are all brothers in this great nation of the free,
proudly standing together, we will make it through this, just wait and see.
God will show me my buddy when the time is right,
until then, I will search with all of my might.

My Friend's Dad

By Robyn Buschini

My friend's dad went to work today Just like the day before. His family was still sleeping When he left and shut the door. He drove down to the station He's a fireman you see. My friend's dad has a special job He protects you and me. That morning was no different Than many of the others. Until my friend's dad got a phone call They needed help to save their brothers. So they drove to New York City And searched through the rock and rubble. My friend's dad is a smart man He knew our country was in trouble. My friend's dad is a strong man We know how hard he tried. The whole world was watching The day our country cried. Sometimes I'm afraid to talk to him I never take the time. But I would like to tell my friend's dad I'm proud he's a friend of mine. I won't tell you who my friend is You don't need to know his name. But, if you ever meet my friend's dad You can thank him just the same.

Calon Lan for the New York Heroes

By Maria Vassallo

Bravest hearts of purest courage In the fear and in the flames Noble heroes to be honoured In our memories carve their names Who could run into such danger When life's sweet and love is true Who could die to save a stranger Who could live as heroes do?

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to be continued soon . . . .

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