Can you believe it's been 23 years since 9/11?
To me, it seems like only yesterday.
I was in New York City on July 26th of 2001, six weeks before 9/11, and visited the South Tower observation deck with my boss from Florida, who had come to New York to see her family.
Here are two photographs from that day...
Like all of you, I clearly remember where I was on September 11th and how I felt watching it unfold.
9/11 is something I will never forget. Nor do I ever want to.
I moved to Manhattan less than a year after the Twin Towers were complete, so I hold a sentimental connection to them.
Even now, 23 years later, I still get very emotional whenever I watch a documentary on 9/11.
I have visited the 9/11 Memorial many times, and every time, moved to tears. With each visit, it felt as though I was peeling away another layer of grief.
Throughout the years, I've discovered new findings about 9/11 that focus on different aspects, such as the survivors, those who witnessed that day first-hand, the family members of those who perished in the towers, in the planes, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA.
However, what has had the most impact on me are the documentaries focusing on the first responders of 9/11. They are the true heroes, many of whom died while saving others.
Today, I would like to focus on the first responders...
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My inspiration for this post came from watching a YouTube video featuring Christine Ebersole, an extremely talented actress/singer with whom I attended acting school in 1974-75.
In the video clip, Christine shares a touching story of how her life was deeply affected by First Responder Captain Billy Burke after being asked to sing at his memorial service at St Patrick's Cathedral. She never actually met him, yet Christine was profoundly touched by his spirit.
She was transformed from fearful to fearless.
Captain Billy Burke-
A native New Yorker, he was born on March 9, 1955, and grew up in Plainview. He was the second of six children. From his perspective, he was born to be a firefighter. He was the son of a deputy chief in the NYFD. Yet his father did not want his children to follow him into his profession. Retired at age 64, he was worn down by smoke and stress. Yet Billy dreamed of fighting fires since childhood and he would always remember what his dad taught him about what to do in a burning building: get the civilians out and then take care of your men. He saw this as the family code even as two of the world’s tallest buildings collapsed.
Billy, the Captain of 21 Engine, was in the North Tower with his crew as the South Tower fell. His crew kept calling, “We got to get out, Cap.” His answer?
“You guys go ahead; we’ll meet at the rig.”
Billy disappeared to search another floor, making a final sweep for those in need, the helpless who might have been trapped; a citizen in need of a fireman, while his crew made it out before the North Tower also collapsed.
His body has never been found.
I dedicate this post to Captain Billy Burke, and all the other brave men and women first responders, who fearlessly put their lives in harm's way to save others. They exemplified unity.
Please know that you are greatly appreciated, loved, and forever remembered.
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*In case you're interested, here is the link to the video with Christine Ebersole. It will touch your heart deeply.
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*More about Billy Burke from his sister.
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