Since 2006, I have had the honor and pleasure of honoring a hero that lost his life in the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001. It’s been 17 years since the attacks that struck our nation, but you will forever be in my heart. I had the pleasure of speaking with your brother Mike last year and he was grateful that you will forever been honored by someone who didn’t know you. It is my honor to be your voice. Every year I have so much to say, but this year I am at a loss about what to write. I vowed to your brother to learn something new about you every year. I’ve read the many funny stories off of the website that was created in your honor, and they all said the same thing, you had a huge heart. One story spoke of the pit bull that you would dress up in a NYFD jersey and let run loose on the field, it said that the NYFD always beat the NYPD with you on their team. According to your friends the word “hero” is not what you would associate yourself with, you would just be doing your job. You, Chuck, are a hero in the lives of many.
17 years ago, you ran into a building not knowing what would happen next, but you saved many lives, while losing your own. Those people whose lives you saved would say you are their hero. You are a hero to me for giving up something so precious so that others could be saved. We remember you always, may we never forget your sacrifices. Today, and everyday, I work to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. I will continue to teach my kids about this day, because it can’t just be history. The need to know how this affected us as a nation, and each of us individually. I was just a 17 year old girl, roaming the halls of my high school that day. Little did I know the impact it would have on me at the age of 34. At 17, I watched a nation come together, people become better people, and friends forever changed. I watched people mourn and grieve, even though we had no answers as to why. I watched 132 high school seniors band together and vow to never forget. I saw America become patriotic again.
Today, and everyday, we not only honor Lt. Charles Margiotta, but the 2,996 that lost their lives that fateful day. We honor the many men and women who have died or are suffering from an illness that was caused on that day.
To all of the first responders and their families, thank you for your unwavering sacrifice to keeping us safe. To the men and women that fight for our freedom everyday, thank you! To those who have lost their lives during 9/11, I keep your family in my prayers always.
If you’d like to read my first blog post about Chuck you may do so here. The link to last years blog post. I encourage you to go read the many stories posted about Chuck on his families memorial website, and if you’d like to donate to his scholarship fund, I know they would appreciate that.
*all photos have been used with permission
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