Another September 11

Photo copyright Nathaniel Lieberman.

Two years ago, D.C. Roe organized “The 2,996 Project: A Tribute to the Victims of 9/11” —  a tribute by the blogosphere to each person murdered on 9/11, created by 3,000 bloggers.  It is a remarkable experience re-reading even a few of the tributes, and they reminds us of something we have forgotten as another “normal” September 11 occurs.

Welles Remy Crowther, age 24, remembered by Smooth Stone:

He made one final call to his mom, Alison, from his office at 9:12 a.m., minutes after his tower was struck, leaving a brief, calm message saying, “Mom, this is Welles.  I want you to know that I’m OK.” . . .

Ling Young is one of the people Welles saved.  She sat bloody and petrified with some others in the
World
Trade
Center — the lights out, smoke engulfing the room and pain searing through their bodies. . . .

Then out of nowhere, a young man burst in and took control — with a red bandanna on his face. . . .

“I see this incredible hero, running back and forth and saving the day,” recalled Judy Wein. . . .  Judy Wein remembers his penetrating eyes, firm voice and the red bandanna he wore over his nose and mouth — but didn’t know his name.

His name was Welles Crowther.

Jeff Nussbaum, age 37, remembered by Yael:

It’s so odd, I didn’t know you, but now I will never forget you.  I’ll always know that you were “a big man – 6 foot-4, 230 pounds,” a “die-hard New Yorker,” that you worked as a senior currency trader for Carr Futures and lived in
Oceanside
,
NY.   I will always know that you were 37 years old when you were killed. . . .

I will say kaddish for you, according to Jewish custom.  I will think of your mom Aline, your sister Melissa and your brother Craig, and the little nephew you never got to meet. . . .

When Jews die, their family and friends often pray that their souls be bound to the eternal bond of life.  I know that for you, that prayer has been answered.  You are remembered by the people who knew and loved you well and by countless strangers –including myself — who didn’t know you at all.  And beyond even that, you are remembered as part of the history of our great nation.

For all of us, your memory is a blessing.

Ronald T. Kerwin, age 42, remembered by JCI.

Ronald T. Kerwin was a member of Squad 288 of the
New York Fire Department — a 20-year veteran.  He had also been Chief of the
Levittown Volunteer Fire Department. 

He was not at the
World
Trade
Center when either of the towers was hit.  As usual, early that morning, he was at his station — ready, as usual, to risk his life to save others.  He got to the
World
Trade
Center while others were exiting the buildings, or running uptown, or watching on TV. . . .

It seems wrong to call those who died on 9/11 “victims.”  Many, like Ronald Kerwin, were heroes, exhibiting courage and commitment we can barely comprehend.  All were fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, friends — each an entire world — working hard that day to support themselves and others. 

May their memory be a blessing to their families, and may we who did not know them — but who do now — recognize we owe them more than mere remembrance.  We owe them the honor of translating their examples into our own lives, and the commitment to confront the evil, still unleashed in the world, that took their lives.

In addition to remembering those who died, it is also appropriate to recall today that, seven years ago, no one thought the
United States would not be hit again.  Six years ago, on September 11, 2002, everyone dreaded what that day would bring before it was over. 

History will decide what it thinks of the 43^rd president, but one thing is certain:  George W. Bush has kept the nation safe for seven long years.  On this day, he deserves our thanks.