In Memory, In Honor, In Celebration

9/11 is a day that will live in our minds for many, many years to come. Most of us can remember where we were or what we were doing that day. I was a freshman at Pratt Community College. I had just got to my 9:30 theater arts class when one of my classmates came in and told us that she had just heard about it on the radio on her way to class. My cousin Kyle was planning to move to NYC in a few weeks.

2,819 people were killed that day. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, cousins, friends were killed in one of the worst acts our country has ever seen. 343 firefighters and EMS personnel were killed that day. For me, that hits very close to home. My father has been a firefighter for over 30 years. That's longer than I've been alive. Many of the firefighters at the fire department where my dad works have become like fathers and brothers to me. I have also become friends with several of the EMS staff.


My dad

September 11, 2010 my youngest brother was married. There were some people who criticized my brother and sister-in-law for getting married that day. Their reply was always simple. Yes, something very bad happened that day. Today, we'll remember those who lost their lives and loved ones, but also celebrate a new life too. I think that's all we can do. Remember, honor, and celebrate the lives of those we lost and also of those that made it. For all of the families that lost someone that day, my heart goes out to them.


My brother and his wife September 11, 2010