michelleNYC

As a NYC resident, tomorrow will be an especially trying day but one where we should make sure to say a word of thanks to our local firefighters. So, whether you're here in NYC as a tourist tomorrow or simply in your own home town, stop by your local firehouse and give those brave, brave men a smile and a "thank you". Tearfully, Michelle

laartista

That's a nice thought Michelle, and I will. It is a bit somber here in nYC huh? With good reason. Thanks for the post.

handmaiden

Hey, don't forget the cops, too. My husband is a retired cop who saved many lives over the years. Even if my husband was one of Philly's Finest, he and all the other public servants and soldiers who lay their lives on the line deserve to be thanked, not just the NYC firefighters and police of 9/11.

Where would America be without all these brave men and women?

Christine

michelleNYC

I agree, Christine. Therefore, everyone, a word of thanks to all those who lay their lives on the line for us. I only mentioned firefighters in this post as we lost a very dear friend who was a NYC firefighter.

BayouGal

God bless our firefighters, policemen and women, and military!

jorr

Also don't forget about the fatal lung problems some of these brave people/fire fighters/cops/volenteer rescuers ended up with and the people who refuse to accept and take responsibility to deal with it. I saw a doctor interviewed on TV who said that there may be more people who die in the next decade from the 9/11 dust than from the 9/11 attack. We have so much to learn from 9/11.

emd

I recently visited the NYC fire dept. museum in Soho and really enjoyed seeing the history of the NYFD on display. There are several old horse beautiful horse drawn carriages, parade carriages, pictoral histories of large fires fought throughout the years, just loads of great history there. And it is housed in what used to be the horse stables of a fire station. There is a two room exhibit on 9/11 at the museum, not overshadowing all the other exhibits, but it is a good exhibit. I highly recommend a visit there.

Thanks to all USA firefighters everywhere who put themselves on the line for us, and go into burning bldgs not knowing if they and their colleagues will make it out.

travel_addict

And how about all the medical personnel who were able to save so many lives afterwards too - we should thank them also!

angethereader

I always wave then I pass a fire house. I always wave at the police when I pass. I guess I'm always greatful for what they do for so little pay.

Suerich68

Thank you, Michelle, for reminding me. I pass a firehouse that lost 3 on 9/11 going home from work. I'll pop in with some flowers for them today.

ilovetulips

I know that we all take for granted what these public service men and women do, but I have so much respect for people who have sacrificed and will continue to sacrifice their lives for complete strangers- you and me.

sallyjane3

I'm wearing my Postal Stamp Pin depicting the firefighters hoisting the flag.

I'm thinking of all the firefighters, police officers, Red Cross, AmeriCorps, and the citizens of NYC who pitched in where they could.

One of my Red Cross buddies (mental health counselor) tells of leaving her work site at 2AM during the time that transportation was practically shut down and finding a limo waiting to take her to her hotel.

During her conversation with the driver, she learned he actually was the CEO of a Fortune 500 company...the limo was his.

She asked why he was up at 2AM driving when he could have asigned someone.

"I can't do what you do. THIS, I can do."

Heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful men and women who served brilliantly.

angethereader

Be nice

moldyhotelsaregross

Thank you to all who sacrifice for the greater good.

michelleNYC

This wasn't supposed to be a political thread so, please, put that away. Perphaps the thread should simply be "turn to your loved ones and friends and give them a GIANT hug -- be thankful that you still have them with you".

paula1470

jorr-I watched 60 Minutes last night where they were talking about all the health problems of the first responders and other workers. It's sad to see what they are going through and that they are just now getting financial help with healthcare.

When I visit NYC, I often stay at The Belvedere Hotel which is right by the fire station at 48th and 8th, Engine Company 54. I think this station lost the most men on 9/11 (or close to it) and they have the names of all 15 of them on a plaque on the station door. I always pause to remember them and of course all the other rescue workers who gave their lives that day.

It's hard to believe it's been 5 years-most of the time it feels like it was just yesterday.

swalter518

Here, here Bayougirl. I was so moved when I visited Ground Zero in January '02 that it still brings tears to my eyes thinking about it. It truly personified the expression that freedom isn't free.

Ryan

My older brother is a member of the FDNY as are 2 of my best friends from the neighborhood where I grew up in Staten Island. I think what may have been lost on many is that almost half of the men who died were off duty. The initial crash happened around a shift change which meant guys were still lingering after they’d gone off duty. Some of the stories of the men who died really go to show the self-sacrifice. One guy who died flagged down a passing fire truck near the Verrazano Bridge as he was returning from his night shift in Brooklyn. Another, went to his firehouse near the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and picked up his gear and ran through the tunnel to downtown. Part of the difficulty the FDNY had in knowing who was in the building was that so many guys were off duty and in many cases, using whatever gear they could find if they went to the nearest firehouse and not where they were stationed.

I think what also may not have been as widely understood is how long after 9/11 they were affected. Most men rotated through the WTC site for months after. When they weren’t working, they were attending funerals. I think my brother attended somewhere close to 220. There were numerous retirements afterward, as well. Many guys just didn’t have the heart for it anymore as the joy went out of the job.

My brother is now stationed in a firehouse in Downtown Brooklyn that had all of the men of the truck company perish and one in the engine. The men in the Engine company who survived only did so because they were carrying the body of their colleague who had been killed by debris within a few minutes of getting to the WTC site. I think for many firemen (and cops) they realize that had circumstances only been slightly different, they wouldn’t have made it.

paula1470

Ryan-Thank you for your story about your brother and all of the other firefighters. Watching some of the TV broadcasts, I did realize that some of the firefighters were off duty and just jumped in to help. I guess I never realized the scope of that situation. I can't even imagine how 9/11 must have been for you and your family with your brother and friends being part of FDNY. I am glad he made it. Please thank him for everything he does.

egret

hiddeneurope,
We should be thanking the military for protecting your right to express your feelings. As the Toby Keith song says "I'm out here on the front lines, so sleep in peace tonight."