Tribute to Father Mychal Judge, Department Chaplain

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For those of you unfortunate or fortunate enough, depending on your perspective, not to travel to New York City every day I felt compelled to share this with you.

Today as I walked to the office at approximately 8:00 am I walked past the same fire station on 31st Street and Seventh Avenue, which I walk past every day. Only today, as a year ago, it was very different. The entire street was blocked off so that people could pay tribute to those lost. In anticipation of today's events a tremendous flag was hung across the street measuring approximately 40' x 20' and as it gently wafts in the wind, the crowd gathers around a beautiful memorial sculpture created by an artist which depicts a fire fighter pulling father Mychal Judd from the ashes of the twin towers collapse. It is a snapshot of a time in our lives which is etched upon my memory and which none of us shall forget. It is both somber and beautiful and for the benefit of those whom may never otherwise see it, I snapped some digital pictures to share with those people important to me, my friends and family. Something told me to bring my camera along with me on my daily sojourn today and this is why.

The Hands of the Hero.

Maybe I am partial, but New York City is like no other city in the world. It is full of life, energy, opportunity and most of all, hope.Once you overcome the natural feeling of being overwhelmed by it and embrace it's diversity, you love it and can not leave it. You become one with the masses. It may sound crazy but if you've ever experienced "The Wave" at a sporting event, particularly at something such as the Olympics, you would understand. You are but a drop of water in the ocean, yet you are an integral part of it. That is New York, a cacophony of colors in the landscape of humanity. Upon close inspection you notice that each and every one makes up the fabric of our society as a whole, and as such depends upon the other and is thus closely integrated with the surrounding colors in order to complete the picture and keep the integrity intact.

Last year as an ungodly act of terrorism brought itself to bare upon us. We were thrust head first into the bowels of hell. We watched as so many of us ran for our lives and many did not make it out. The horrific feeling and pal that overshadowed us then and in those days after is indescribable, but all you had to do was walk down the street in the city and look at the faces of the people and you knew. You could feel the pain, the anger and the desperation of those whom so helplessly walked the streets day after day with posters of their loved ones asking for help in finding them. And we all felt so helpless as it cut through us like a knife. What could we do that would make a difference? Well I've always been proud to say I'm a New Yorker, but now more than ever. In the face of adversity and tragedy like nothing we've ever seen, I saw people from every race, religion, creed, socio-economic background etc., come together for one cause; to help one another. New Yorkers always get a bad rap, but that was, that is and that will always be the real New York spirit, however this is not just about NY; it is about humanity. The overwhelming support, love and generosity which was spirited towards us from around the world came in endless waves. It is unabashed evidence that the human spirit can and always will prevail and more importantly to "UNIFY" when circumstances dictate, but why in only dire situations? Why did it take such a dastardly act to bring humanity together? This world is far from perfect, but it would be far better if each and everyone of us took the responsibility for ourselves to make sure that we let our neighbors, co-workers etc. know that they are an important part of our lives.

After all it would be pretty boring walking through the streets of NY, or any city in the world for that matter, and be the only person there. Most of the time all it takes is a smile and a "good morning" or "good afternoon" to make someone else feel good about life at least for that brief moment, if not for a much longer time. It all starts with #1. we should not wait for the other guy to do it.

Tribute to Ladder 24 & Mychal Judge, Department Chaplain

Well, I did not intend to preach here, but rather to celebrate the human spirit on this day of remembrance. And just remember, no one is ever alone if they don't want to be. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!

Enjoy the pictures enclosed. Be safe, be well and have faith that humanity shall prevail!

Jeff Bitsimis

While Jeff is not an auxiliarist, he is a true New Yorker and a patriot. Jeff, I salute you.
and thank you for allowing me to post .
Ken Sommers , ADSO-CS-PH