Remembering Engine 9 Ladder 33 and 9/11 heroes

On Friday, September 9, I decided to dedicate the entire show to the memory of the fallen 21 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001.

It's critical as Americans that we remember the casualties of the terror attacks and the heroes who ran toward danger risking their own safety and lives to save others.

Fourteen of the heroes on 9/11 were members of FDNY Engine 9 Ladder 33. Of the 14 firefighters from the company on Great Jones Street in Manhattan, who responded to the attacks and massive fires that raged after the planes hit, 10 would never return home.

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We all have an image of what a hero is and they come from all walks of life.

On Sept. 11, 2001, 343 heroes serving the FDNY from 75 different firehouses across the five boroughs made the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us.

Karen from Staten Island called to talk about her hero brother Jeff Walz who was a proud member of Engine 9 Ladder 33. She recalled the story of him calling their parents that morning as he geared up for the battle ahead.

Danielle who is a third-grade teacher from Basking Ridge called about her husband Chuck who worked on the 67th floor of the South Tower. He did survive the day but succumbed to cancer related to the debris from the collapsed towers 13 years later.

Danielle called to honor his memory and let everyone know that as a teacher she's dedicating the school day this Friday to the memory of all of those lost on 9/11/2001.

It's critical that we practice what we preach.

Saying "Never Forget" is a hollow gesture if we don't take a little time each year to discuss what happened and educate the next generation to appreciate the sacrifice of so many good people on that day.

See 20 Ways America Has Changed Since 9/11

For those of us who lived through 9/11, the day’s events will forever be emblazoned on our consciousnesses, a terrible tragedy we can’t, and won’t, forget. Now, two decades on, Stacker reflects back on the events of 9/11 and many of the ways the world has changed since then. Using information from news reports, government sources, and research centers, this is a list of 20 aspects of American life that were forever altered by the events of that day. From language to air travel to our handling of immigration and foreign policy, read on to see just how much life in the United States was affected by 9/11.

Never Forget: Notable 9/11 memorials in NJ

There are a number of memorials in New Jersey dedicated to remembering the lives of residents lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The sites range from gardens to parks and plaques to statues.

More Spadea on NJ 101.5 app

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own. Bill Spadea is on the air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m., talkin’ Jersey, taking your calls at 1-800-283-1015.

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Filed Under: September 11th

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