The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead, we have emerged stronger and more unified.
Rudolph Giuliani
We look back on 9/11, thinking on Rudolph Giuliani’s words – how right they are. A day that was meant to break us, proved how strong the United States of America is, and how many countries will stand with us. We remember the stories we heard of brave heroes running into the wreckage to save others – not just First Responders, but Civilians as well.
One FDNY squad’s truck was stuck in the Brooklyn Batter Tunnel, closed for safety. Firefighters on that truck jumped out, put all 60lbs of gear on, and raced 1.2 miles to the towers. Then proceeded to run up and down those stairs, in full gear, saving people. Can you imagine the strength and bravery that took?! Especially knowing the danger they were putting themselves into in order to help others.
Our Colorado Team decided to take on quite the challenge of ascending the Manitou Incline to honor and commemorate the sacrifices made on 9/11. The Manitou Include consists of 2,768 steps, elevating to 2000 ft in less than a mile. The whole hike is about 4.5 miles. One of our Colorado staff had this to say about the climb.
“It is one of the best ways we could honor the sacrifices of all the first responders, family members of the victims and all the military families affected by this tragedy would be to kind of recreate what the first responders went through that fateful morning of 9/11. Obviously, our hike was not anywhere near what they were facing as they climbed those stairs in the twin towers, but we hoped to honor and commemorate their sacrifice.
We saw firemen along the way with full gear on. It was very inspiring. We also saw military in full uniform hiking it. I am so grateful for first responders and our military who are saving lives. We decided we are going to do this every 9/11. It is the best day to do it. I am so thankful for my freedom.”
Our East Coast Team walked 9.11 miles in remembrance of 9/11. It was nowhere near as challenging as the stairs the First Responders took, or the sacrifices people made on that day or the days to follow. It made our team reflect on that day even more – putting into perspective just how amazing our First Responders are. One of our staff had this to say about the walk.
“By mile 8, I was ready to throw in the towel, my legs were aching, and my lower back was starting to hurt. It helped me realize just how much our First Responders went through that day, how exhausting it was. While what I did will never come close to the physical, mental, and emotional toll they went through that day, it did give me perspective. I’ve always valued our Military and First Responders – they do what many of us won’t, but that just shed a whole new light on them. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your dedication to the safety of others!”
We will always remember 9/11 and be thankful for the men and women who jumped into action without hesitation. Whether Civilian, First Responder, Military – True Heroes taking care of others.