We want to especially remember the firefighters, the policemen, the medical personnel, the rescue workers and all the common people who helped others on the attack sites during the actual disaster days and those who helped to clean up in the aftermath of 9-11-01. Some of them accomplished some truly heroic tasks and deserve to be called heroes!

These people did save some lives, helped multitudes of people on the attack sites and accomplished the tremendous task of clearing all the dead bodies, rubble and debris from the destroyed buildings and aircrafts. They didn’t concern themselves with their own comfort but unselfishly were more concerned about others – even to the point of losing their lives. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

According to Webster’s Dictionary the English word “hero” comes originally from a word that means to watch over, protect. The firefighters who even at this very moment are fulfilling their task are truly protecting and watching over all of our safety and well being in dangerous situations. They deserve to be honored, whether they have lost their lives serving others or are still alive. Firefighters are not concerned about fame and being called “heroes” but want to stay meek with low profile. That shows they are really concerned for others and are doing their job out of willingness to serve, not for the desire to be lifted up and be admired by other people.

A HERO

A charity song for children who lost a firefighter/police parent in the 911 attack.

The morning froze in silence

as the terror filled our hearts

we stared in disbelief at what we saw.

Through the dust we felt so helpless,wishing that we could have known.

We hold our families close, as we watched them fall.

Some people didn’t waiver, they had a job to do.

There was nothing that could keep them away…

Oh, it’s a special kind of hero

who would sacrifice themselves – so I could spend another day with you.

And for all the fallen heroes who saved a life that day your courage unites a nation, and we’ll remember you.

So many people crying, walking in a daze holding pictures of their loved ones through an empty haze.

Our Heroes didn’t falter, they held out a helping hand remembering their own children, as they rushed inside again.

They didn’t waiver, they had a job to do and some never made it home that day.

Oooh well remember you. We honor you, salute, respect and cherish you.

Not many people can do the duty that you knew on that cold September day.

Michael Heath is president of the St. John Professional Firefighters Association.