Today marks the 22nd anniversary of 9/11. Many of us look back and remember the events of that day. A day filled with fear, terror, tears, camaraderie, and heroism. While people were running from the terror, heroes were running towards it. Many heroes of this story have perished, and those that survived are passing as the years go by, some from the sickness of the toxins that filled the air, and some of age. We still remember the living and the dead of that day.
As a Social Studies lesson today we watched the 9/11 Anniversary Digital Learning Experience with survivors, first responders, and school teachers. I try to find something new every year for our little guy to watch. He's only 11, but we try to teach him the history of this day and the days following. Reminding him that we should never forget, even if we weren't alive to have a first hand account of 9/11. It's important to keep the memory alive of all who were lost during this tragedy on American soil.
I was 17 years old in 2001, and a senior in high school. I remember the day like it was yesterday. We were scared as a class, but we came together as one as well. Nothing was learned that day in any class as we stared at the tv's and talked about how we felt. It was a terrifying, yet somber day. We worried about loved ones, people we knew, and all of the families out there that were suffering a great loss. In the film it featured, Ada Dolch, principal of the High School for Leadership and Public Service in lower Manhattan, and she said "We were hungry for anything that would bring us joy, and lift our spirits." I believe that to be true, because in the days following 9/11 I felt the exact same way. The thought of "how do we forge ahead?" was a burning question in many minds.
We have forged ahead, but we will never forget because the story of 9/11 belongs to ALL of us.
Tracking down a lead as a private investigator
There is one man that I will continue to honor, Lt. Charles Margiotta, a firefighter for the FDNY, Battalion 22. He had just finished a 24-hour shift and was heading home when he heard the call over the radio. He turned around to go back to ground zero. Little did he know that he would become a hero that we remember today.
He was an all around great guy, friend, husband, son, brother, and gardener. The stories that I have found tell the tale of a man who was a helper, a friend, a caregiver, and a hero. I don't believe that he would consider himself a hero though, as he loved doing his job and helping people.
According to his brother, Mike, he was a larger than life character. He said he was into everything and wondered when he had time to sleep. He was a stuntman, firefighter, private investigator, substitute teacher, and a soccer coach.
Remembering him has been a great honor throughout the years, and this year I'm at a loss for words. I'm lost today, and a feeling of sadness has washed over me. I have suffered my own loss in the last couple of weeks that has left me without words to convey the memory of Lt. Charles Margiotta properly. While my loved one was not lost in a tragedy that millions will remember, she was lost to health issues. It's hard to imagine what his family felt at that time as I deal with my own loss.
Chuck, you are remembered and never forgotten. I try to keep your memory alive by teaching my little guy all about the events of that tragic day. While millions of people may not know your name, they remember all who have been lost. Thank you for your service, your bravery, and your heroism.
To read last years blog 21 Years Later, We will Remember Lt. Charles Margiotta
To donate to the Chuch Margiotta Scholarship Fund.
*all pictures used with permission
