9/11: It's my blog and I get to say what I want

It is the eve of the sixth anniversary of the day that changed our nation and our world. It saddens me that so few people feel the need to attend memorials. What happened on that day will affect all of us the rest of our lives as well as our children and their children. And, regardless of your feelings about the war in Iraq, the consequences will follow us for generations.

While that day brought horrible scenes of death and destruction, it also showed us the courage and heroism of many Americans. The passengers on Flight 93 gathered information, discussed it among themselves and acted to prevent another attack on our capital, knowing they would be sacrificing themselves. These were normal, regular people who responded, without any special training, recognizing the need for the sacrifice of the few to save the many.

Having spent 25 years in uniform I was most affected by the devastating losses suffered by FDNY, NYPD and PAPD. For, in Emergency Services, we are all brothers and sisters. Line of Duty Deaths are a reminder to those in uniform that it could have been any of us. This risk is mostly ignored by the public. It took the death of over 365 of our ranks for many people to recognize and appreciate the inherent danger of the job. They saved thousands by their heroic actions. And many are now dying as a result of the rescue efforts.

So please, don't ignore this day. Go to a memorial, light a candle, take cookies to your local Squad/Fire Co/Police Dept. 9/11 is not just our past. It is, sadly, our present and our future.

In Memoriam

The many victims of WTC Towers, NYC and the Pentagon

The Courageous passengers of Flight 93

and those that knowingly made the ultimate sacrifice

FDNY, NYPD and PAPD

NEVER FORGET