2018/09/10 - Mayor's Column: September 11th - Thank a First Responder
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
This week marks a somber anniversary in our nation’s history. It has been seventeen years since the September 11th attacks. I still remember the little specifics, like where I was at and what I was wearing, when I first learned of the attacks on this country.
We all remember where we were on the morning of September 11, 2001. We watched as terrorists attacked our country, striking the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania where United Flight 93 crashed. In one morning, we felt our world change forever. Those memories continue today as a timestamp on my life and a reminder of the courage and perseverance of this country.
Millions of children around the world today are too young to remember. It’s up to us to teach them and future generations about the events of 9/11 and how, in the aftermath, we came together to recover and heal. And we must also never forget the bravery of those who gave their lives trying to save others.
Of the 2,977 victims killed in the September 11 attacks, 412 were emergency workers in New York City who responded to the World Trade Center. This included:
- 343 firefighters (including a chaplain and two paramedics) of the New York Fire Department (NYFD);
- 37 police officers of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department;
- 23 police officers of the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and
- 8 emergency medical technicians and paramedics from private emergency medical services.
The emergency response on September 11, 2001 was the largest in the history of New York City. It was also the costliest disaster in United States History.
We should make it a point every year to look back on this day and remember the loss of life and the bravery of those who risked their own lives to save others. Last week, the O’Fallon Fire Department completed a monument to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragic attacks. The monument, which includes a piece of structural steel from the World Trade Center, is in front of the O’Fallon Fire Department Headquarters (1215 Taylor Road). I encourage you to visit this new monument, not only this week, but throughout the year.
I always find it satisfying when someone goes up to first responders, or active and retired military members, and thanks them for their service. Perhaps this column will help ignite a spark that encourages more people to show appreciation for these men and women, throughout the year.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!