Every generation has a day that they will never forget. For some, it’s December 7th, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor. For others, it’s November 22, 1963, the assignation of President John F. Kennedy. For us, it’s September 11, 2001. A day that started out like no other. People off to work, to school or doing their usual daily morning routine as if the day would be like all the rest. Except on this day it wasn’t.

The nation was attacked and forever changed. Thousands of families were affected that day and each in their own way. This was a day everyone put aside their differences and came together for a common good. The good and prosperity of a nation. Race, ethnicity, religion, color, orientation; none of that mattered that day. The only thing that did was helping each other survive so they could go home and see their families one more time. Hundreds made that ultimate sacrifice that day trying to help those who needed help the most.

On this anniversary of the September 11th attacks may we always remember and never forget the brave men and women of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, United 93, the 343 New York City Firefighters, the 23 officers of the NYPD, the 37 of the PAPD and the 8 EMTs of private agencies who sacrificed their lives to save countless people so they can return home to their families. Their sacrifices that day can never be repaid, only honored. Instead of a day mourning, this is a day of remembrance. Let us remember these modern day heroes and honor the decisions they made that day because without them, how would our lives be today? May they rest in peace.

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” - John 15:12-13

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 14 years of service all within departments in Piscataway, NJ. Nick has held the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain as well as being a township elected District Fire Commissioner for 1 term (3 years) in Piscataway, NJ. He is also a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University working in Corporate Taxation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website.