By Staff
Do you remember where you were one year ago today? … I do. It started out as just another day and then quite suddenly it became terribly tragic. I was coming home and turned on the radio. The news reports were talking about airplanes crashing in New York. I called my wife and told her to turn on CNN, that I didn't know what was going on but I was on my way home. When I got home I sat in horror watching the replays of the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Center and then saw the unbelievable as the second plane flew into the other tower.
Do you remember hearing the reports of another plane crashing into the Pentagon? … I do. I watched as firefighters from the towns surrounding the Pentagon came rushing to the scene. I remember hearing of yet another plane crash in Pennsylvania and stared at the screen wondering when this nightmare would end. I remember hearing the reports of passengers on Flight 93 contacting their loved ones by cell phone. I remember hearing of the last words of Todd Beamer, as he and others gave of themselves and prevented that plane from becoming yet another weapon of terrorism. The words "LETS ROLL" will forever be a call to heroism for me.
Do you remember that on that day 2823 people died as the Twin Towers collapsed? … I do. On that day I also lost 343 of my brothers and sisters, three hundred forty-three fellow members of the International Association of Firefighters and International Association of Fire Chiefs, three hundred forty-three of New York's bravest. On that day they willingly gave up their lives as they rushed unselfishly into buildings that everyone else was trying so desperately to get out of. On that day they were simply doing their jobs, unmindful of the consequences, trying and in some cases succeeding, in rescuing people, victims, from the worst act of terrorism to ever be visited upon the United States.
Do you remember that day? … I do. I will never forget it so long as I live.
Dan A. Currie, Jr.
Atmore Firefighter