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This earth we all live on is floating around in space, held in it’s majestic
position by forces much greater than our human minds will ever be able to
understand. In this world there is something more precious than any mineral or
jewel, or mountain or ocean. This richness I speak of is human life, all life,
in any gender, color, ethnic background, or religious belief.
Since life, and the meaning of it, is so important to us, we all strive to
protect this gift each and every day; not only our own, but that of our loved
ones, children, friends, and neighbors. We do so willingly, and out of
necessity, for the protection of our fellow man kind as we proceed along the
various chosen paths and destiny this “life” takes us.
Unfortunately, life is full of trials and tribulations, heartaches and dangers;
and is only temporary. But, life is also full of challenges and rewards, as well
as happiness and love.
As mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and daughters and sons in our
great land, we strive to protect each other with a conscious tenacity that our
human spirit demands of us. Nothing else would suffice, in this great country
our forefathers fought so hard to establish.
In our society some people make it a lifelong career to put on a uniform and
serve to protect their fellow citizens each and every day. I speak of our
nations military, as well as our police and fire departments that are always
there when we need them. I know I can say with certainty that there is “No
Greater Love” than to lay down one’s life for another. Most men and women in our
uniformed services today go to work for the “ love of the job” and know they are
privileged to serve their fellow man and tax payers who support them. They also
know the inherent dangers of the job, as well as the rewards.
Those of us who serve and who have served in local police and fire departments
don’t need recognition for the deeds we do, because our service is reward
enough. Society doesn’t listen, however, to these modest requests, for it does
bestow titles such as “heroes” to those who save life. If you talked to a hero
that our citizens honored, you would see a commonality that would make us all
more proud of these individuals. First, you would see that each possesses a
calmness and surety of bravery and courage. All heroes seem to agree that there
is no hesitation to save life, that their own life is, at the crucial
determining moment, pulled like an ocean tide toward those in in harms way,
without regard to the consequences of their actions.
How blessed we are to have such people in our midst. Let us not forget those
heroes who have proceeded us, and are around us, and are yet to come. Our lives
will contiue because of their unselfish actions. We should especially remember
those heroes of 911, because the actions against America that day were
unprecedented, as well as, those of the heroes who responded to these horrific
emergencies, many never to return.
You will be deeply moved with a unique prospective of heroes in this work
“Heroes of the World Trade Center, No Greater Love”. This beautiful book will
allow you to see those who gave all for the protection of others. We will
certainly remember them and do so forever.
Copyright(c)2003 ~ Chief George Pickett (Retired FDNY)
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