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Firefighters
simply did their jobs
It’s
hard to believe that five years have passed since terrorists attacked our
country.
It was one of those rare moments in our life that you remember exactly
where you were and what you were doing when you heard that a plane had
crashed into the World
Trade Center.
I will always remember the moment I saw the first tower come crashing
to the ground. It was a surreal moment when you wanted to believe you were
dreaming. I knew that many people had died. I also knew many firefighters had
just given their lives trying to rescue those in the building. I just could
not have ever imagined that 343 firefighters would die that day.
I didn’t need a newsperson to tell me these brave men had died trying
to save as many people as possible. I didn’t need to see crumpled fire trucks
and the broken helmets of lost firefighters to know that they were charging
up the stairs toward the flames to rescue any who were still alive. I didn’t
even need to see the American flag that was raised on the rubble to know
these firefighters were honorable, loved their country and their fellow man.
I just knew these things because I knew in my heart that firefighters
could never turn their backs on people in need.
No one had to tell me that their fellow firefighters would work to
exhaustion digging through the mountains of rubble looking for their coworkers.
No one had to tell me they would fight with the city to have New York City
firefighters on the scene until every one of their brothers were recovered.
No one had to tell me that each body removed, whether firefighter or
civilian, would be treated with the utmost respect. No one had to tell me
that the firefighters who died that day didn’t see themselves as heroes; they
were only doing their job. No one had to tell me that these tough
firefighters shed tears because they are compassionate and caring people.
There were many heroes that day, including police officers and
citizens with no formal training.
No one had to tell me that all those involved would pull together
during this tragedy, showing the strength and resolve the people of this
nation have.
That is why the United States is the greatest country in the world –
something terrorists will never understand.
24/7/365: You call; we res p o n d .
KENNETH LEE KNIGHT is a battalion chief in the High Point Fire
Department. He can be contacted at kenneth.knight@highpointnc.gov.
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