I can recall 9/11 as if it happened only yesterday, I recall all of the first responders, Police Officers, Firefighters and EMS personnel responding to the call for help. They ran toward the danger while others, understandably so, ran away for safety, not thinking for one second this would be their last day on earth. We are reminded of all the innocent people who lost their lives on that tragic day, the mothers, the fathers, sons, daughters and friends, who only went to work, but committed no other act of violence or hatred toward anyone else, they perished for no reason. Later that night members of my department, the Fairview Police Department, responded to what was now called Ground Zero. I can recall the devastation and only could imagine what the first responders felt before the towers collapsed. You hear stories today of the heroic actions of so many and that makes you proud, not only in New York City, but in Washington D.C. and in the air on Flight 93. We can recall with vivid memory the applause you would here from volunteers when emergency workers came off of ferries after a tour searching for survivors or recovering a loved one. It was a time when America came together to console one another and also a time that we learned to help each other. Although it was devastating to each of us, we came together. We formed an unbreakable bond that we were in this together, people actually thought of others instead of themselves. American Flags flew proudly from homes, cars, buildings and just about every other structure you can think of.

Eleven years have passed, and it is important to never forget that day.  I wanted to challenge myself to do something in memory of those that were lost and decided to complete a 25 mile run from Ridgewood to the 9/11 Memorial this September 11th.  I researched a charity that I thought provided the support needed for the families of the victims and first responders; I found Tuesday’s Children.  This is a charity that is supported by many because they provide so much to victim’s families. Times are tough for so many, but this charity is worth it. Their cause is our cause, to ensure the memory of the victims of 9/11 will live on, by helping their loved ones overcome, if that is ever possible, the loss they have suffered. I spoke to a number of family members who lost a loved one, six in Fairview, NJ and twelve in Ridgewood, NJ. It is heart breaking that some of the loved ones were never recovered. They need Tuesday’s Children and the young kids who lost a loving parent need Tuesday’s Children. Donate today and make a difference in the lives of many. 

Recall that feeling of togetherness you felt on 9/11 and on this 11th Anniversary make a donation in their name. God bless the victims of 9/11 and their families.