APBC Statement on Remembering September 11, 2001
The Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of BC take a moment today, on the 19th anniversary of 9/11, to honour the innocent lives lost and recognize the courage of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in trying to save others in and around the World Trade Center.
As I went to bed last evening, I started seeing many posts and reflected on 19 years ago today, when so many went to bed expecting to go about business as usual the morning of September 11, 2001. I woke this morning trying to figure how to recognize and communicate to you all, which I spent the morning struggling with.
Like everyone I remember where I was that tragic morning 19 years ago and how we watched the Twin Towers fall.
For me these videos speak loudly https://youtu.be/mHjH1sl1o9s, https://youtu.be/cZGeqb5ZCG4, https://youtu.be/BRdmNPZxwHo as do these two quotes.
“19 years ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters (including a chaplain and two paramedics) went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 37 police officers of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department and 23 police officers of the New York City Police Department went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 emergency medical technicians and paramedics from private emergency medical services went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift.”
“After the shock, I have strong memories of how we hugged each other tighter and shared our love more loudly. Sadly, as the years passed, we went back to the way we were before. On this day, may we remember the power of compassion and community as we face the new challenges of today…together.”
None of them saw past 10:00 am on September 11, 2001.
In one single moment life may never be the same.
As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.
#wewillneverforget #nineeleven
Semper Memoria
Please be safe and kind my friends.
Troy Clifford, Provincial President
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