By Taylor Sterling
Remembering our heroes… I started this conversation asking our County Executive, Steve Neuhaus how 9/11 affected him. He enlisted in the and became a volunteer firefighter. It drove many to find their calling, answering the call to protect what this great country was built on. It brought out the best in Americans! I watched a special on 60 minutes Sunday evening and it brought me to my knees sobbing. The heroic acts of so many who put everyone ahead of their own lives, their own families. The firefighters shared that when they realized what they were witnessing, they made peace with the fact that they would never see their families after that fateful day. A fire chief whose younger brother was in his division had to make a decision I would never wish on anyone. To send his brother into Tower 1, never to see him again. Another fireman carried a disabled woman down too many stairs to count without a thought for his life. He would never leave her. These extraordinary Americans demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness. Together, their bravery helped prove to our Nation and the world that what those terrorists failed, and America lives on and goes on even stronger than before! It’s the spirit and soul of Americans!
Stories of people running from the falling towers, watching hundreds jump to their death. Those souls live with those images for the rest of their lives. Chief Jay Jonas spoke at the County Exec’s Speaker Series last week and told of courage that Hollywood makes movies about. He also spoke on leadership, and he shared a story of one of his ladder company fellow firemen who was one of the few who made it out. This fireman was strewn on the tons of rubble of the building when he finally descended the building just as it was collapsing. Chief Jonas was standing over him when he looked up at the Chief saying he could not go another inch. The Chief looked down at him, raising his voice and yelled, “SEE THAT MOUNTAIN OF DEBRIS IN THE DISTANCE WITH SMOKE AND FIRE COMIN’ OUT?” YOUR WIFE AND KIDS ARE RIGHT THERE…” The fireman got up and walked out of the rubble to safety. Chief Jonas also shared a strange happening as he was exiting the horror of both buildings collapsing around him and headed back to his firehouse. A large group of Chinese men from the area (they were close to Chinatown) started following him. Remember he was covered with smoke, soot, blood and much more. He stopped and turned around and they stopped and waited. This continued for a few blocks and Chief Jonas asked them if they needed anything and one man said they were just making sure he got back to the firehouse safely.
Amazing things happen in the face of adversity. As you are all aware, many who were the first responders still suffer till this day due to the repercussions of breathing in those deadly fumes of the burning buildings and metal. We have a NYC fireman who for quite a long time did voice overs for us. He has not been able to do them for many years now. He has been going through Chemo – lung cancer as many have suffered and continue to suffer and die early from those effects. Continuing the special on Sunday morning, there were men in their 40’s who were in their 20’s on 9/11 sharing that they lost their fathers who were firefighters on 9/11. Those sons signed up 20 years ago to follow in their fathers’ footsteps. When asked if they felt their fathers had another gene that most mortals did not possess. They all agreed that their fathers were of another breed. Their fellow firefighters were their brothers, and they all were confident and at peace knowing they were built to save others and without question would sacrifice themselves in doing so.
So on this day… please take more than a moment, pray for their souls, their families, this Country and each other that we may make the most important decision this country has ever asked of us as AMERICANS! Vote for the person who will protect us and the rest will resolve. Living in fear, in dread, will destroy this country. There are those who are trying to instill fear in your decision. Don’t be afraid…. fear not. Be brave as our Firefighters fought so hard, losing over 340 on 9/11. Do a service to them. Make the right decision on election day. Do it for those who fought so bravely to save others, sacrificed themselves and their families. Leave a legacy without fear. Be brave. You will determine the future of America!!
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