Remembering 911 by The Loved and the lost (book club suggestions .txt) 📖

The Reason We Honor 911

September 11, 2001 is a day of tragedy and pain. On that day two buildings named the Twin Towers were brought down along with many people. An attack took place that took many lives, and wounded the hearts of America. Every year on September 11th we look to the flag and honor the men and women that suffered that day.  People put up there flag and open there hearts to the suffered and the suffering. We wanted to open our hearts a different way though and we want to leave a mark so we made this book, this is one way to honor them and we are doing it with quotes and memories. We are here to honor the men and women and open our hearts to those who suffered and those who lost part of them and we open our hearts to the brave souls that rescued people. Most people will leave up the flag for a day but this time we are going to leave a book. We are going to change it up and open hearts and we are going to leave this book here for other generations to see and we are going to pass on our words to those who suffered. But we need your help to pass it on. Pass it on and pass on your heart and open up more with each page. And never forget what this day is about. Never lose sight of the reason we honor this day and it's people.

 

Love doesn't end when life ends

I want to give you some of the stories that gave us the inspiration to speak up and give our hearts. Please take time to read these stories from some of the people that lived through this date. And open your hearts and mind.

Now I am going to tell you one of the eleven stories, now.

"Love Doesn't end when life ends."~ Antonio Aversano

When my dad's life ended, my love for my dad did not end...I consider it a divine blessing that I was able to find ways to both grieve his loss and the tragedy of that day, but also keep my heart open and alive. Over the years, reflecting on the impact of 9/11 and the ways in which I found myself navigating that experience, the perspective of the feeling like I was "broken open" emerged. When the feelings of grief, anger and sadness sprung forth after 9/11, on the other side of experiencing and expressing those emotions I felt hardened shell of who I was cracked apart and I became more connected to what I now consider my true self. It was kind of like feeling "snapped back" into the present moment...What is obvious to me is that all "things" in life will pass away. But a love that I feel deep in my heart and soul feels like it is alive in it's own unique way, is connected to all of life, and is timeless. The love I feel for my dad I experience in this way. I can feel him alive within me-within my heart every day. Anytime I choose to reflect and go that place, that love is there and feels will always be there, forever.

This story shows you that no matter what they will be there even when gone. They are physically gone but there love is still there. 

 

Tower fell down, I lived, maybe...

 

"Tower fell down, I lived, maybe..."~Anthony Emanuele

On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was asleep, the phone rang. My wife, Deborah, didn't pick it up and let the machine get it, she was feeding our 5-month-old son Jake. It was my sister. I could hear her asking if we saw what happened to the WTC. I jumped out of bed, turned on the TV, I started to get dressed. I ran downstairs and my wife looked at me. I turned on the TV, showed her and I told her I had to go. WE can put this out. I didn't know it was a terrorist attack. She didn't want me to go but relented. I got a police escort all the way from LI. I parked close. Got my gear. Starting walking fast. As I was close, the first tower came down. After some clarity, I realized I was on Church St. bu the hotel. Just as I was looking around, I looked up at the second tower, [and saw] the antenna swaying. I was with another fireman and cop and started running away as it came down. The force of the blast blew in the subway. I dug my way out. I didn't know where I was. There was silence. I was coughing. gagging. So much dust and debris. I searched 5WTC with a lieutenant and two photographers--fist floor to the roof--all nine stories.

Wow, it all that comes to mind. What would you do if you where caught in that? This story gives us a view of one of the men that searched the tower for survivors. This is a hero. They are all heroes.

 

Keep going I am right behind you

"Keep going I am right behind you."~Mike Burke

My brother was Captain William F. Burke, Jr., of Engine Company 21. He was a good looking, charming guy. Lived in Manhattan, single, no kids. He loved New York City, loved life and loved his job. On September 11, he led his men down the World Trade Center. He was in the north tower on the 27th floor, just after the collapse of the south tower...He ordered, by radio, the safe evacuation of his men and they and the civilians they saved all survived. Billy stayed behind to assist two civilians...He would continue to radio his men...and they would radio back saying, "We'll wait for you here. Wait for you here." Billy said, "No, keep going. I'm right behind you. Meet at the rig." And all of his men survived and got out. The tower collapsed and Captain Billy Burke of Engine 21 perished with the other 2,746 innocents on September 11th at the World Trade Center. Those six words he kept repeating-- "Keep going, I'm right behind you"-- I think those are words he could be speaking to America in response to 9/11. I think that's what Billy was kind of saying to America. Keep going, I'm right behind you."

I think we have heard those 6 words before, right? But what about the men on the radios saying they will wait? They hear those 6 words that saved their life. Those six words can save lives and heal others, they have so much power.

 

My world got bigger after 9/11

"My world got bigger after 9/11"~David Potori

My world got bigger after 9/11. Following the death of my brother, Jim, at World Trade Center, I helped to found September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, an organization made up of people who lost family members in the 9/11 attacks. Through my work with Peaceful Tomorrows, I have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who have been impacted by war and terrorism.

Can't we agree that our world got bigger for everyone? Did all of our eyes open more to the destruction that can come in the blink of an eye? This man did something with his eyes opened and world larger, he made Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, this organization is made up of all these people who lost something or someone in that pain filled day. This man made something big! He made a program for not just 9/11 attack victims and family he makes sure to help those who are not new to the affect of war and like 9/11, terrorism.

 

Translating the worst tragedy into hope

"Translating the worst tragedy into hope."~Herb Ouida

This is written as a parent who suffered the worst tragedy that can befall a parent. On September 11, 2001, my son Todd was on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center. I was on the 77th floor. There was no escape for Todd and almost 3,000 people who lost their lives