Remembering 9-11

TONAWANDA - This past Sept. 11, like many before it, the firefighters in the City of Tonawanda gathered to pay their respects to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. They joined together early in the morning at 8:46 a.m., the time the first tower was struck, and again at 7 p.m. for those who could not attend the morning service.

They lowered their flag, said prayers and had a moment of silence for those who lost their lives 11 years ago. Those in the community who were walking by stopped as well, as the fire bell rang, to pause and pay their respects.

Of the 3,000 lives lost that day 343 were firefighters and paramedics.

“We remember primarily the firefighters, police officers, paramedics and emergency workers,” said Charles B. Stuart, Fire Chief. “We pay tribute and have a moment of silence. We are remembering the courage and the bravery that was displayed that day.”

Stuart said it should be used as a reminder that you shouldn’t take for granted every day that you go home to your family.

“I watched the video again last night and you watch the whole thing unfold. You see the fire in the tower and the second plane hit and you can’t help but zone out and think about the gravity of the situation,” said Stuart. “I can’t image being there, witnessing these things go down, and then functioning.”

He said that being a firefighter is being a part of a brotherhood and sisterhood and that no matter where you are located you feel a connection to each other. He added while you try to live up to those firefighters from 9/11 there is no comparing yourself to those in New York City that day.

“I would certainly like to emulate that courage, bravery and motivation to be prepared,” said Stuart. “For most firefighters your day is routine and every now and then something serious happens and you’re called into action at a moment’s notice and it’s that in-between time and how you spend it preparing yourself that is most important.”