Remembering September 11th

Firefighter Christian Waugh, former NYPD Lt. William Cosgrove, John Maguire and Kevin Allen who, aided by firefighter Zachary Vause, carry the body of fire Chaplain Fr. Mychal Judge, OFM, to St. Peter’s Church on nearby Barclay Street. They laid him in front of the altar, covered him with a white cloth and his priest’s stole before placing his helmet and chaplain’s badge on his chest.

Remembering September 11th
by Joe Cabrey

Eight years ago at this time I was just finishing a lunch meeting at Windows on the World 107 stories atop the World Trade Center. That afternoon was just like thousands of others with a series of client meetings and the energy of a group of people who had just finished summer vacations, sent kids back to school that day, and were focusing on finishing the year's IT plans and getting ready to budget for 2002.

No one could have imagined that by lunchtime the following day the world would have changed so dramatically and so many civilians would become casualties of terrorist attacks.

Our incoming class of 2013 were in the 5th grade at the time. About 33 million people have been born in the US since 9/11/01. Regardless of your politics you are likely to know someone who lost a family member or colleague on 9/11 or perhaps a family who has lost someone or feared losing someone in Iraq or Afghanistan since then. Over 5000 Americans have died in those conflicts.I'd like to ask each of you to consider joining me in something simple, lifesaving, and symbolic. Sometime this month donate a pint of blood. It doesn't take much time and is something free that you can give that we need to share with each other.

I go each year on September 11th but frankly that is a heavy donor day as my way of remembering is not unique so the wait can be longer. I don't care about the wait as my thoughts drift to those who were at lunch and in that conference room with me that Monday who went home to their families for the last time that night. I know that the demands on people's time are many and that if it were more convenient for you that perhaps you could participate in this way of remembering all we have lost on and since that day.

The American Red Cross will come to your office, office complex, church, school, you name it and bring all of the supplies, personnel, and promotional literature to help organize a blood drive wherever you are.Please consider asking your boss or HR department, or a building management office in a complex you are in, or your pastor or rabbi or principal or president if your location would sponsor a day for the American Red Cross to come to you.

Just like those lost on September 11th, no one knows that they may need blood in the next day, week, month, or year. The way donated blood is used various components can be used to help others during those times. It may even be you or a loved one who becomes the recipient of blood donated this month.Imagine, if like those who didn't go home that Tuesday, if the blood needed wasn't there.You'll be in good company. Jameer's dad, Pete Nelson, was a proud member of the 5 Gallon Club, and was on his way to his next level the 10 Gallon Club when he died. If your health prohibits you from donating blood, both volunteers and a small cash donation are always welcome as well. You can still suggest the idea and encourage friends and family members to do the same.

To sponsor a Donor Event:
http://www.givelife2.org/sponsor/default.asp

These are just a few of the faces that thank you. Could you imagine that drinking apple cider could put you or your child on this list?

http://www.givelife2.org/recipient/default.asp

Every two seconds in the US someone needs blood. Less than 5% of the eligible donors ever do. I believe if we help to raise awareness and make it easier for people that we can do better than that.

http://www.givelife2.org/donor/default.asp

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thompson/3570075430/in/photostream/

THWND,

Joe