Friday, September 11, 2020

19 Years Lt. Charles Joseph Margiotta



It’s been 19 years since you left us in one of the worst attacks on US soil. 19 years since you died trying to save the people of the country you loved and called home. I sit here today dumbfounded on what to actually write.  Every year I struggle to find the words, struggle to put them all together, and struggle with my emotions. I was just a young 17 year old high schooler trying to find my way in the world, when it all happened.  

As a country we came together in unity. We supported and looked out for one another. We helped our neighbors, we talked to everyone like they were our best friend, and we loved fiercely.  At 17 I saw and felt the effects of this.  I watched classmates cry, scream, and worry.  I watched the planes hit the WTC, and I cried for the loss of our country.  I watched a nation vow to help their fellow man and in the years following that it all fell apart. 

Chuck your service may not be remembered by all, and I didn’t even know you, but it has impacted me since that fateful day in 2001.  Your work will be revered by all in the following years, I will make sure you are never forgotten. 

I vowed many years ago to learn something new about Chuck and to let all of the world know just what kind of person he was and how he will always be remembered. According to a Staten Island Advanced article Chuck was always looking out for his neighbors. He was always helping people and looking out for the underdog.  You would often find him helping his neighbors by helping the elderly that had fallen in the street.  He was also an avid gardener who took care of the tomato plants at Ladder Co. 85 in New Dorp.  He was an avid lover of the outdoors as well, and once he had kids he just rearranged his schedule so that he could enjoy the things he loved. 


In college he 
would bring home classmates who didn’t have a place to go for Thanksgiving. He would plow every sidewalk on the block when it snowed. He was helping to save lives in the outdoors as well  as he once gave 
mouth-to-straw-to-beak resuscitation to a bird that had fallen from a tree.  He was always giving himself to others. 


On his way to the WT
C he called his mom, Molly, told her it was bad and that he loved her.  He couldn’t get ahold of his wife because she was working. Those would be the last words his family heard from him. 

Today we remember the sacrifices you gave for this great nation in which you and I call home.  I hope you know the impact you’ve had on me since I’ve been privileged enough to write about you.  I know you would never consider yourself a hero, but you’re one to me and your family.  

This year I donated to his scholarship fund, you can do so here

To read my first blog post about Lt. Charles Margiotta and last years blog post. 

If you want to learn more about this wonderful hero, please visit his families memorial website

*photos used with permission