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September 11, 2006 - Five years removed

John M. Guilfoil, Jr.Today’s date raises different emotions out of each person.

For some, the only reaction is sadness. The loss of a relative, friend or colleague due to the attacks of September 11, 2001 have made some of us numb.

Some of us feel anger and outrage and a desire for revenge.

Still some of just don’t feel anything.

I organized and ran Northeastern University’s September 11 Memorial and Vigil between 2003-2005. Each year, fewer people attended.

Finally, in 2005 someone wrote a letter to the editor of the school’s newspaper, basically saying that it was time to move on and forget about 9/11.

Indeed September 11, 2001 has been used by both sides of many issues to create political arguments about war, terror and individual rights.

For this reporter, that day was not about war, or terror or individual rights.

September 11 was about people at their worst and at their best.

It was about the sheer lack of hesitation shown by hundreds of fire fighters as they ran up 100 flights of stairs to save a few people locked inside their offices. And while the office workers ran down, freed, the rescuers continued upward.

If there is going to be a political argument about September 11, I will make the argument that when everyone else is running away from something, these people are running towards it. Yet fire houses and police stations continue to close nationwide while health benefits start to slide. The American hero worship that took place immediately after 9/11 has been lost, and I consider that a true shame.

The movie “World Trade Center” was emotional and moving. It was a tasteful portrayal of the suffering that took place that day and the bravery of rescuers that takes place every day. The movie is a true story, and if anything, the literal sea of rescuers the movie portrayed was underestimated.

John M. Guilfoil, Jr.I know this because my father, a veteran Connecticut fire fighter, was there.

So, while police and fire stations continue to close and benefits continue to get cut, a new great tragedy arises. Most of the rescuers that volunteered their time and energy saving lives in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center have or will soon develop serious respiratory problems, according to reports.

So far, almost 70 percent of all New York City 9/11 rescue workers have been affected.

The loss of life on 9/11 was unimaginable and terrible, but we now face an aftermath that may take or shorten more lives than originally lost five years ago today.

But fire houses and police stations continue to close. Medical benefits continue to be cut.

And then you can make every other political and cultural argument you’d like, but you will find me insistent on the argument for the rescuers.

Many people said that the two Hollywood films released about the September 11 attacks were “too soon.”

I say, if we have forgotten so much, so soon, perhaps they were too late.

Join John Guilfoil tonight at 7:00 outside 360 Huntington Ave, Boston for a vigil and memorial.

In News, Politics/Culture on September 11, 2006 at 09:39

One Response to “September 11, 2006 - Five years removed”

  1. John Guilfoil on September 12th, 2006 10:08 am

    I am pleased that my son will not let the memories of September 11, 2001 die away. It is a day that everyone should remember, just as we remember December 7th. Most people can recall exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. The American people tend to forget very easily over a short period of time. I will do my best to keep the memory alive. I was down at ground zero on the 12th and will never forget the devastation. I will not forget the look on brother firefighter’s faces at the loses they sustained. (Friends and family lost). I just wish I could have done more. I feel good about going and would do it all over again. If there is a next time I would go sooner and stay longer to help. That’s what we do.
    I am not worried about health issues from 911, although I have filled out the fedreral forms, just in case.
    Let’s not forget, never forget this attack on America. Let’s not forget the Fire, Police and other emergency workers who lost their lives. Let’s also not forget those that WILL lose their lives down the road.
    I revisited ground zero on Septembet 11, 2006. This was the first time I went back. It’s a very sobering feeling.
    I would like to see September 11 become a National Day of Rememberance.

    Just remember!
    JMG

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