Ed, (redchief)

C&K*s Mommie wrote: Copied from your siggy: Five years ago, on September 11, 2001, 2,997 innocent people lost their lives to terrorist attacks on United States soil. Of those, 343 of my brother firefighters in New York also lost their lives doing what they do best, helping people. May they all be at peace with God. May we never forget.

Sending you the biggest and longest *hugs* to each of you firefighters who lay your lives out on the line for us.

1lilpeanut2love replied: Yes... Heros!

Momof3inMe replied:

CantWait replied:
My thanks also goes out to those soldiers that are fighting in Afghanistan right now because of the terror attacks, and those that lost their lives for that fight, especially dh's friend Shane. May we never forget WHY you fight.

BAC'sMom replied:

holley79 replied: Our Deputies are wearing Black bands on their badges today in rememberance. To all the heros who have lost their lives as a result of 9-11

mckayleesmom replied:

A&A'smommy replied:

MomToJade&Jordan replied:

redchief replied: Thanks everyone. Obviously Sept. 11 is an emotional day for the police and fire services in this country, and for that matter abroad. Rarely does the average person see what these people do everyday. Oh sure, we see and hear the big red trucks and black and white cruisers, but rarely does the world get a glimpse of the kind of sacrifice these people make day in and day out. In all honesty, I can only imagine the mixture of loss and pride the families of those heroes who did not come home on 9/11 live with every day. Sure, I've saved a few lives, and mourned over the loss of people I couldn't save, but the sheer magnitude of the loss of that day is still. five years later, lost on me. Only those who were there can truly understand that.

I've spoken with some of the survivors of that day. To a man, they are quiet, and describe themselves as angry and tormented. None go to bed at night without reliving at least a little of that day. Many don't feel worthy to be left behind, having lost a teammate when the towers fell. Even after a few years, they can't come to grips with why they are still here, and their brothers are not. I can only listen to these guys speak, with the bravado that is inherent in firefighters everywhere, but I also cannot mistake the sorrow and pain that have become their constant companions.

So, I appreciate the hugs, having a connection with those guys that is part of a nationwide network, and I pass them on. I have, and will continue to give to the Uniformed Firefighters Association Scholarship Fund (FDNY) so that, at least, the future of the children of those fire service heroes can be secured.

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: My uncle is in the fire department in Colorado Springs. There is a memorial to fallen firefighters there and I believe they add to it every year. In 2001 my uncle sent an e-mail to family that I will never forget. He was and is truly haunted by the loss of so many brother in arms. To any and all firefighters, .

C&K*s Mommie replied:
Thank you Ed for sharing your thoughts, and sharing a small glimpse into others thoughts too. As you said, most of us may never truly know the anguish of the ones who protect us, or the nightmares that affect them during the day too. But when you share some of the truth, my admiration and respect multiplied ten fold for those that do lay their lives out.
I have the UFA site bookmarked, so that I can see if I can donate as well.