This morning we headed down to town and walked across the tridge to the Brighton Fire House. They firefighters had completed a two year application process and were chosen to receive one of only 1200 pieces of the twin towers which were given to the world. The pieces are in every state and 4 continents, there is even a piece in Afghanistan. Once Brighton found out they had been chosen to get a section community groups and local businesses all supported the project. The dept drove 24hours roundtrip last April 27 to Kennedy Airport to pick up the section of steel. It is not known whether it is from the north or south tower, but it was a central core piece which had utilities running through the large hole in the center. The two hour ceremony was very moving, from the bagpiper leading in the flags, with their honor guard of former servicemen and women, the street closed and displaying a long row of shining clean emergency vehicles, a giant US flag suspended in the air from the top of two hook and ladder trucks. a gun salute and the playing of taps as a wreath and turnout gear were layed at the foot of the memorial. There were alot of tears. Senator Mike Rogers spoke, as did Jerry's bball pal Congressman Bill Rogers. A Fire Chief of Brighton who grew up in North Jersey spoke about a good friend from highschool who helped clear the rubble and search the area for about 6 months post 9/11 and succumbed 4 years ago to respiratory disease. The most moving and hopeful speaker was a priest from St. Paul Episcopal Church in Brighton. He was attending seminary in NYC and came up out of the subway just in time to look up and see the plane crash into the tower. He ended up as a chaplain on the site for several months. The ceremony was great and I am so glad we went, kinda felt like that was the least we could do, to in a small way honor these folks by being present, by remembering as a community, and going forward from 9/12 to make the world a better place.
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