The True Heroes of 9-11-2001

Do you remember the firefighters, the policemen, the medical personnel, rescue workers, and all the common people who helped others on the attack sites during the actual disaster days, and those who helped to clean up in the aftermath of 9-11-01? Some of them accomplished some truly heroic tasks, and deserve to be called heroes!

These people did save some lives, helped multitudes of people on the attack sites, and accomplished the tremendous task of clearing all the dead bodies, rubble and debris from the destroyed buildings and aircrafts. They didn't concern themselves with their own comfort but unselfishly were more concerned about others - even to the point of losing their lives. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

There were 346 people who died that day. Bravestmemorial.com has compiled a list of the rescue personnel who died on September 11, 2001, and keeps memorial pages for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. At Weshallneverforget.org you'll find a list and description of emergency personnel who perished on September 11, 2001.

Those involved in the clean-up worked sometimes in very unhealthy conditions breathing dust and smoke all day long. They went through the emotional turmoil of finding body parts, but also found wedding rings to give as a small memorial to the families of the deceased.

Firefighters don't feel like they are heroes

After the 9-11 attack firefighters across the country have heard themselves called heroes, but many are uncomfortable with that label. They feel they are working stiffs, a down-to-earth, modest lot, and that the words hero and heroism should be restricted to those whose names are etched on the wall in Memorial Park.
"I'm not a hero. I don't go to work to get a pat on the back. I don't feel like a hero. Most guys you talk to are uncomfortable with the term. We're just doing our jobs," says Kenny Haskell, whose two firefighter brothers died when the towers collapsed.

This picture from Stock Exchng is not from the 9-11 event, but is just showing a firefighter doing his job.
Kenny, also a firefighter, was off that day but rushed to the scene. He spent the next two months looking for his brothers' bodies, only one of which was recovered.

That is such a good attitude! A true hero is a person who does something for another person and risks their own life or makes a big sacrifice while doing so. We could say that true heroes are unselfish and prefer others, and have the courage to do something for them in difficult situations. But we don't perceive true heroism and pride going together.

According to Webster's Dictionary the English word hero comes originally from a word that means to watch over, protect. The firefighters who even at this very moment are fulfilling their task, are truly protecting and watching over all of our safety and wellbeing in dangerous situations. They deserve to be honored, whether they have lost their lives serving others, or are still alive. Firefighters are not concerned about fame and being called 'heroes' but want to stay meek with low profile. That shows that they are really concerned for others and are doing their job out of willingness to serve, not for the desire to be lifted up and be admired by other people.