21 Years Later, We Still Remember Lt. Charles Margiotta

 

This year, like many others, I struggle to find the words to convey the heartache I feel each year on September 11th.  I dread this day, but find solace in remembering someone that gave his life to save others. It's been 21 years, but I think we can all remember exactly what we were doing on this very day in 2001.

Lt. Charles Margiotta, Chuck as he was lovingly referred to, was described as the "toughest nice guy around." He helped neighbors, gardened at the fire station, his favorite being the tomatoes, was a stunt man, a private investigator, and a friend.  He leaves behind a wife, son and daughter, as well as many friends and family.  He was a 1979 graduate of Brown University, with two degrees in English and Sociology, and was a member of their 1976 Ivy League champion football team where he was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame.  

Chuck leaves behind a great legacy, one of friendship, caring for his neighbors, helping the elderly, substituting on his time off, and loving people. He was an amazing man, according to many articles written about him.  It's unfortunate that I, as well as many others, have to learn about his extraordinary life via the internet.  I think we would all be better people if we had gotten to meet him in person.  I don't think he met many strangers, I think they were all friends upon meeting. 

I read in an article that his parents lived next door to him and he would check on them everyday. The last phone call he would make would be to his mom saying "Ma, it's bad, I love you. I'll call you later." His dad missed the trips to the mountains, watching sports on tv, and tailgating at the Giants games. His mom missed the pretzel crumbs he would often leave behind. He had a great relationship with his community and his neighbors, as well as his family.  

I have had the great privilege to communicate with his brother Mike on a few occasions. My goal in this life is to gather more stories about Chuck over coffee with Mike and to be able to continue to share his legacy. Chuck was courageous, as he heard the call over the radio on his way home from a 24-hour shift at a Brooklyn fire station, where he was filling in for someone else.  He turned around and found himself staring evil in the face.  He helped save many lives while losing his.  I see his face when I think about September 11th. 

Several years ago, as I have written before, my husband and I were watching a 9/11 special and at the end they showed pictures of all of the service men and women who lost their lives that day.  As Chucks picture popped up on the screen I shouted "That's him. That's the guy I honor every year.  That's Lt. Charles Margiotta." I'm so thankful that many years ago I signed up to honor someone who gave their last breath so that others could continue to take theirs. I get to know more about Chuck every year and that's what I'm most thankful for. I get to share with others what Chuck was all about, funny stories, and memories from family and friends. 

Every year I donate to the Chuck Margiotta Scholarship Fund and this year was no exception.  As I told my husband, it brought me to tears. I look at my son eating his dino nuggets and he has no idea the impact that September 11th has had on our generation. He'll never understand how hard it is for me to memorialize someone in words. He'll never know the impact it had on our country, but tomorrow our Social Studies and Science lessons will be all about September 11th because it's important that he understand. We don't hide things from him or keep him from understanding how horrible this day was for many American's.  When we talk about it each year, he's angry, and he doesn't understand what could drive people to do this kind of harm to one another.  I will tell him about Chuck so that he remains alive, if only in our hearts and in this blog. 

Chuck led a life worth remembering. 

I have linked the scholarship fund above if you care to donate.  Last years blog isn't hard to find as I really only use this blog anymore to honor him, but it can be read here.

*all pictures have been used with permission