Greenfield Firefighter's Account of 9/11, Trip to Ground Zero Part 2

Editor's notes: Written by Kevin Wisniewski of the . For part one of the story, which ran Sept. 9, .

A year after the attack, a huge gathering was planned in New York to recognize each and every firefighter lost on Sept. 11. It was a chance for those who were not a part of the rescue and clean-up efforts, or any of the funeral services to come to Ground Zero, give condolences, pay our respects and perhaps find some closure ourselves.

I decided to go along with three other members of our department. We flew out and the impact of my experience was such that I do not remember much of the trip going or returning. It was dreary weather and rained a lot. It seemed appropriate. My new woolen Honor Guard uniform was virtually ruined by the end of the trip. Thousands of firefighters from the United States, Canada and even around the world had assembled in Manhattan. This alone was overwhelming. Somehow the people in charge were able to organize all of us and march us across the city in front of huge crowds who had gathered to show their respects. I will never forget this march. There were flags flying from every window. People shouting “Thank you!” and “God Bless America!” On-duty New York fireman stood in front of their stations as we passed. These were firemen who had lost friends and co-workers, even entire companies. Everyone in our section came together in a common bond and we were instant friends. Memorials were everywhere.

At the end of the march, we were near Madison Square Garden, where the ceremony was being held. There was no way the place would hold everyone there and most of us ended up outside. Though two in our group did manage to get inside, I remained outside. Eventually in the crowds, I even became separated from my co-worker, and I was now alone. They had Jumbo Trons up and down the street along with huge loud speakers so that we all could hear and watch. After introduction speeches and prayers, each and every one of the 343 names was read off and a bell was rung. Just the men and women lost alone was three times greater that our entire department. It was a chilling experience to listen and moreover, experience the silence in the streets of the huge borough of Manhattan while these names echoed through the streets.

A person had a lot of time to think. Time to think of families, friends and one’s own mortality. I caught myself trembling in the cold and wet street as the rain finally let up as the last of the names were read. Erie? You bet it was!

My trip also allowed me to drop into a few fire stations. I was amazed at how welcoming and cheerful the guys were. Even though it had been a year, it must have been hard to walk through those doors every time your shift began. Every station had some type of memorial set up to commemorate their lost comrades. Every station had memorial t-shirts to sell, the proceeds of which would benefit the fallen’s families. I found myself soon with no more money. No matter, because in the bars that evening, I could not buy myself a drink. Someone was always getting the bill! We eventually all found each other again and the next day headed for Ground Zero.

This was truly humbling and mind-boggling. Signs of the destruction were still everywhere. I had been to New York and Manhattan a few other times and had seen the Twin Towers. Now there was nothing but a huge hole. The debris was cleared, but it only made the damage more apparent. There were great memorial walls with pictures and notes, some weathered from being posted for months and months. Candles were lit in effigy everywhere. It was impossible to keep your eyes dry to see clearly. I remember thinking that every American should be made to take this walk past Ground Zero.

And I found myself filling with anger that someone could do this to innocent people. People who love freedom. People who respect life and the lifestyles of others. How can people have so much hate over beliefs that they take their own lives, the greatest gift we have, to rain destruction on the innocent? I prayed for answers and I prayed that this would not happen again. And I did feel closure. My mind went back to Sept. 11 on my shift at Station Two, watching the events unfold on TV. I was now here, seeing, smelling and touching Ground Zero. I could feel the emotions of thousands of people that weekend. I understood fully and had no doubt it was all too real.

Did it affect my life? In more ways than I can count. And I will never forget. Nor will I let others forget. I will never take my life, my freedom, my family and my belief in God for granted. I will pay homage every Sept. 11 for the rest of my life. Rest in peace, brothers. You did your job well and true. May you take solace in knowing you are not forgotten.