Remembering the Heroes of 911

Sep 08, 2022 12:40PM ● By Sandra Lawrence

"No day shall erase you from the memory of time."
— Virgil's Aeneid, which adorns the 9/11 Memorial Museum

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were a tragic day in American

history. Yet, in the wake of the tragedy, many people learned lessons about

heroism and courage. Some of the heroes of that day were the first responders

who rushed into the burning buildings to save lives. Others were the passengers

on Flight 93 who fought back against the terrorists. It was a date in history not

limited to New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. It united the much of

the world in our grief and they became a part of us. Though 3000 deaths and

over 10,000 injured adults affected by this tragedy let us remember the names of

the eight children ages 2 thru 11 who also died.

"Numerous civilians in all stairwells, numerous burn victims are coming down. We're trying to send them down first ... We're still heading up."
— Patrick "Paddy" Brown, New York City Fire Department Captain

Christine Lee Hanson age 2

David Gamboa-Brandhurst age 3

Juliana Valentine McCourt age 4

Bernard Curtis Brown II age 11

Asia Cottom age 11

Rodney Dickens age 11

Dana Falkenberg age 3

Zoe Falkenberg age 8

In remembrance:

The passengers of the four hijacked flights

1 st Responders

Our men and women of the Armed Forces

People working in and around the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon

Families of the loved ones who died or were injured

Still, others were the people who went about their lives afterward, helping their

neighbors and country to heal. In remembering the heroes of 9/11, we can learn

lessons about strength, resilience, and hope.

The Importance to Remember 9/11

The memories of pain and sadness overwhelm the anger of this terroristic act

camouflaged by the many deaths and injuries of one days series of events. It is a

complicated grief and trauma that forevermore lingers in the lives of the survivors

and the families of the deceased. It is a part of the merciless healing process that

it must be remembered. It is a small comfort for the nation to remember.

“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.” — Former President Barack Obama

COVID Impact

The Covid pandemic isolated the nation from the many ceremonial grief and

memorial events. That year of inactivity only heightens the need to reactivate our

memorial events this September 11th. It is the 21st year anniversary from which

this country as a nation and its citizens have been changed for life. We come

together as mourners and comforters across the nation and even still parts of the

world. We bring some solace to those who were directly and indirectly a part of

this day. Lest we not forget and continue to thank them ALL for their service.

Immigration and Dept. of Homeland Security

The perception of immigration changed dramatically with 9/11. The Department

of Homeland Security was created as the act of migration quickly evolved into the

enforcement worldwide of immigration.

The Anniversary

It's been 21 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the years

since we have learned a lot of lessons about security and emergency response.

One of the most important lessons is that we need to be prepared for anything.

But, we also came together as a nation, united in our grief and determination to

never forget. The heroes of 9/11 showed us that we could get through anything if

we worked together and stayed strong.

"One of the worst days in American history saw some of the bravest acts in

American history. We'll always honor the heroes of 9/11. Here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice."
— Former President George W. Bush

Sandy is a Deaconess at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church. She is retired and has worked in the field of elementary education and adoption/foster and geriatric social work. She is founder and CEO of ICAP Inc (Intergenerational Community Alliances & Programs Inc.) a nonprofit organization. It provides workshops and motivational speaking on select topics. Sandy is an amateur Storyteller and has authored 2 adoption specialty children’s books and has published an inspirational book for women available on amazon titled "Weaving the Threads of Faith… Sisterly Encouragement 1." The Part 2 is soon to be released. She has held/holds membership in various socially impacting organizations promoting the betterment of women, children/families and seniors. She is associate publisher and advisory board member to FUNTIMES Magazine. Sandy is the mother of son, Rasheen. She lives the philosophy that “If I can help somebody along the way than my living is not in vain..”

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