Vernon's 9/11 Message: 'Don't Let It Be Lost In The Pages Of History'

VERNON, CT — Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro Monday issued an open letter to residents that urges them to reflect on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Here they are:

" On this somber day, we ask you to take a moment and remember what happened on this day 22 years ago. Terrorists in four hijacked airliners crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and a field in Shanksville, Pa. It was a day that traumatized our nation, yet at the same time drew us together in a remarkable way.

"We saw incredible heroism that day. Who can forget the faces of the first responders who climbed to the World Trade Center’s upper floors to rescue people and battle the flames? The situation was dire, but they did not hesitate. Good Samaritans lent a hand too.

"There was much uncertainty that day. People looked for answers and reassurance. And they got that from the local, state and federal workers who put aside their own grief and kept on working to serve the public.

"Please take a moment to read the comments below from Vernon Fire Chief Stephen Eppler, who earlier today sent the message below to members of the Town of Vernon Volunteer Fire Department.

"In the 22 years since the attacks, our nation has moved on. But we have not forgotten."

Respectfully,

Mike

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"Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack. Some of you were too young to remember or were not even born yet. Others know exactly where you were when it happened. And sadly, we have lost some members since it had happened. As the years go by it is important that we continue to remember the events of that day, the inherent dangers of the job and the selfless sacrifices made by each and every one of us in the emergency services.

"A total of 2,977 victims, comprised of citizens of 102 countries, died in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001, the deadliest attack on American soil since the attack at Pearl Harbor 60 years prior.

"At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower. All 76 passengers and 11 crew members aboard were instantly killed and workers in the WTC North Tower were immediately killed or trapped above the 91st floor.

"At 9:03 a.m., United Airlines flight 175 crashed into the WTC’s South Tower. All 51 passengers and 9 crew members aboard were killed instantly along with an unknown number of people in the South Tower.

"At 9:37 a.m., American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. All 53 passengers and 6 crew members aboard were instantly killed and so were 71 civilian and 54 military personnel in the building.

"At 10:02 a.m. United Airlines flight 93 plowed into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. All 32 civilians, a United States Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement officer and 7 crew members aboard were instantly killed. Although its ultimate target is unknown, it was likely heading for either the White House or the US Capitol.

"New York City suffered the largest loss of life and property. The hijacked planes plowed into both towers at the World Trade Center, resulting in the collapses of the two buildings and the death of 2,192 civilians (including 8 EMTs and paramedics from private hospital units); 343 members of the New York City Fire Department, 23 members of the New York City Police Department, 37 members of the Port Authority Police Department, 4 members of the New York State Office of Tax Enforcement, 3 officers of the New York State Office of Court Administration, 1 member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1 member of the New York Fire Patrol and 1 member of the United States Secret Service Also killed, but not listed in the official death toll, was a bomb-sniffing dog named Sirius.

"The hijacked Flight 11 was crashed into floors 93 to 99 of the North Tower (1 WTC), the hijacked Flight 175 struck floors 77 to 85 of the South Tower (2 WTC). When the towers were struck, between 16,400 and 18,000 people were inside the WTC complex. The vast majority evacuated safely. As they started to rush out, first responders rushed in, trying to save those still trapped or injured.

"There were 343 FDNY firefighters from 75 firehouses across the city killed in the line of duty on September 11. The incident marks the largest single incident firefighter line of duty death of any emergency response agency in history. FDNY’s Chief of Department, Pete Ganci, was among the members killed, as was Chaplain Mychal Judge. In fact, of the 23 Battalion Chiefs who responded, only 4 survived. But during the initial response not 1 officer or firefighter refused to enter the towers to help save the people inside. And the death toll continues to rise from this event.

"Since September 11, 2001, hundreds of public safety personnel have died from occupational illness related to their rescue and recovery work from that day and the days that followed. In 2011 the World Trade Center Memorial Wall was created to honor those who died of illnesses related to their work they performed at the World Trade Center. This year, 43 names were added wall, the second largest groups of names added to the wall since its inception.

"But the resilience and the traditions of the FDNY run deep. Sixty children of firefighters who were killed at the WTC incident have now become FDNY firefighters themselves, carrying on the family tradition, the legacy of their lost parent and grandparent and the pride of having one of the best jobs in the world.

"Take a moment today and reflect on those that made the ultimate sacrifice. Don’t let September 11, 2001 be lost in the pages of history. Don’t forget Charleston or Worcester or Bridgeport or the 100 brothers and sisters we still lose every year. Look out for yourself and each other, we need to do everything we can to make sure everyone goes home."

Chief Eppler