By
Francine Paino
In 25 days, this coming September 11th will mark a quarter-century since the United States was attacked by evil in a way we’d never imagined. For those of us who lived it, it’s as fresh in our memories as if it happened yesterday.
There was only one color in New York on September 11, 2001: Ash Grey. There was only one fragrance in the air: toxic fumes, sharp and acrid, as far as 25 miles away.
No one was black, white, or brown. We reached out for each other’s hands, without regard for race or ethnicity. Together, we watched in horror close up and from local distances, praying that our loved ones would somehow be spared a horrible end—but not all were.
On that day, the sun shone in a bright, clear blue sky, not common over the skyline of New York. It was as if God wanted everyone to see, without confusion, malevolence in action, and the heroism that battled it.
But who, exactly, were the heroes that day? Were the heroes those who like to stand above us and preach, like Hollywood stars? No. Did overpaid, spoiled-brat athletes run in to try to save those trapped and praying for rescue? No. Did the fascist/socialist fist-pumping, Hate-and-Steal-From-Those-Who-Have-More mobs try to get near those buildings to help? Certainly not. And make no mistake, they existed in New York 25 years ago. In our nation’s capital, D. C., did the feckless Congress ask to be transported to the Pentagon to help rescue those trapped inside, as Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld did? Again, no! Were Pennsylvania’s politicians first to the crash site of Flight 95 and the brave men and women on board who chose to die fighting? No.
The rescuers that day, who rushed into danger, were the fire, rescue, EMT, and police departments. And some civilian volunteers tried to help, even without training. They didn’t ask if it was safe. They knew it wasn’t.
On that day, 25 years ago, 343 New York City firefighters, including one chaplain and two paramedics, died. Thirty-seven police officers of the Port Authority of NY and NJ perished, as did twenty-three police officers of the NYPD and one New York Fire Patrol officer. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics of private emergency services also gave their lives to help others—and their sacrifices didn’t end that day.
Since 2001, 400 additional FDNY members have died from 9/11-related diseases, caused by toxins spewed into the air that day, and the number continues to grow.
More than 8,000 people have died from 9/11-related illnesses, surpassing the total number of lives lost on September 11, 2001. According to data and public awareness campaigns highlighted by The Mesothelioma Center, the long-term health consequences—including cancers like mesothelioma and lung cancer from Ground Zero toxins and asbestos exposure—continue to claim lives 25 years later. (The Mesothelioma Center) Just as devastating, over 40 percent of the victims still have not been identified—that’s about 1,000 people. An additional agony for their families.
And here we are, 25 years later, with obnoxious, hateful people trying to say we deserved that attack. Tell that to the families of those who died trying to save others, and to the victims armed with coffee cups and pencils, who were virtually pulverized, and those who did manage to get out alive, but damaged for life.
And now we watch our less-than-illustrious city councils, mayors, and governors prostitute themselves, bending over to the criminal insurrectionist mobs. They shout Defund the police, a service without which no civil society can exist. By doing so, they dishonor the memories of all who died on 9/11, the rescuers, and the victims waiting and praying that police or firefighters could reach and save them. No one that day prayed for or expected a politician or community activist to rescue them.
Indeed, these politicians have despoiled and rendered meaningless the actions of the officers who worked so hard to rescue so many and maintain law and order in the aftermath—again with no regard for the risk to their own health, working in the heart of the poisoned air of New York City and its suburbs.
But our political leaders are put in power by us—We, the people. Thus, we are a nation in disgrace. Unlike the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which remains in the minds of Americans even to this day, we’ve ignored the sacrifices made by so many who serve law and order, allowing us to live and work in a safe society, and 9/11 is one of the great failings of our public school systems. It is not taught. “Only 14 states explicitly require public schools to teach students about the events of September 11, 2001, leaving the topic up to local districts or omission in the remaining 36 states.” (Rep. A, Garabino)
The police, fire, and EMT services are the real stars in our lives, not the tinkling fake glitter of those who hide behind their private security guards and walled communities, then dare to lecture us. Or, the athletes who choose to kneel, bow, and scrape to those who would rather see our country perish—rather than stand up and say, “NO. Destruction is not the way.” And to the ethics-free Democrats and spineless Republicans masquerading as politicians, who allow our cities to be burned down and our law-abiding citizens to be attacked so that they can maintain their privileged positions and wealth and power—let’s defund you.
To all the men and women of every police, fire, and EMT department in the United States, thank you for your willingness to do jobs that put your lives in danger to protect ours.Thank you for your efforts to keep our streets safe despite the ingratitude of the public and the disgusting backstabbing politicians. Thank you for your resilience and your service.
And once again, to all who died at the hands of evil on 9/11, including the police, fire, and EMT personnel, may God keep you in the light of His face, and give peace and comfort to the loved ones you left behind.
Austin Mystery Writers 