On September 15th, 2016, I had the fortunate opportunity of attending my father’s promotional ceremony for the fire department. During the ceremony, Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said, “Following the terrorist attack of September 11th, the Department displayed incredible resilience in the face of unimaginable destruction. We were able to rebuild because leaders stepped up at every level to carry the FDNY forward. That tradition of strong leadership has been a mainstay of the Department for more than 150 years, and it continues once more with the 116 Chiefs, Captains and Lieutenants we promote at this Ceremony.” I believe that Chief of Department also said something very important to all those in the room. He said, “Although most of us who worked in the FDNY when 9/11 happened don’t want to talk about it, we need to. It’s important to remind others of what happened that day and what we did.” I agree with his statement completely.

Being a fireman’s daughter, I have never been prouder! I recently read another Odyssey article by Victoria Estreicher titled, “To The Kids Who Grew Up With A First Responder Parent on 9/11.” The article is definitely a must read for several reasons, but more importantly because it said almost everything I wanted to say in a 15 year reflection of this tragic event.

Reflecting on 9/11 15 years later...

Although I was 4 years old when it happened. I was also the daughter of a first responder. I think as a little kid I was always nervous for my father to leave our house because I knew he ran into the burning flames. I also questioned in a way, why do it? Seriously why?! I still believe these brave every day heroes don’t get paid enough. I didn’t understand of course fully what was happening on that day back in 2001, but I did know that our nation was in serious danger. We all have our own story of that day, and what we were doing when it happened. But it’s important to carry on and pass down the stories of that day, so we can remember those we lost and their legacies. We also want to remember the strength of those around us and what we did to build back our strength as a nation. We will never forget because we lived it and unfortunately we are living the aftermath. It’s not 15 years ago, it happened yesterday in our hearts. Rest in Peace to all that passed. May peace be with you all, and God Bless America!

They say if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life. So now I ask why my father became a member of the FDNY instead of going off to law school. I think it’s because he fell in love with a career that he has found very rewarding. At the promotion ceremony, I got to witness him taking an oath. He made sure as he said it he was looking at us, I thought that he was looking straight into my soul. I know why he did it. He appreciates everyone being there on his big day, just as much as we appreciate him being in our lives, and being a firefighter in general.

Dad, I would like to remind you of a quote from one of our favorite movies, It’s a Wonderful Life.

In my eyes, I have seen success. My father is success in it’s simplest form, and my role model. I have witnessed Clarence’s wisdom the day of your promotion Dad. To all those reading this, remember that the people you cherish, can also be those who cherish you. So please appreciate your friends as much as your family, and don’t forget those brave everyday heroes who put their life on the line every day for strangers whom they have never met. Thank you to all those that save lives in several different ways, we appreciate you all!