9/11/01 turned into "FireFighter's Day" ?

[TygerEyez]

I just got an email today about this. It started with a 14 year old kid who's father was killed at the WTC. Here, I'll let you read it for yourselves:

"I lost my Dad on September 11th; he was Chief Edward Geraghty, Battalion 9, New York City Fire Department. He lost his life with many other heroes that day, victims of the terrorists.

Firefighters from all over have come to the aid and rescue of the tragedy in New York and Washington, D.C. Many firefighters have lost their lives to save someone else's; the truth of the matter is, they do this every single day.

They truly are heroes. I know many people feel helpless, especially those who live far from NYC and D.C. We all want to do something, show our appreciation, our support. I think we can...

In honor of the bravery, courage and determination of American firefighters, there should be a day in our nation to celebrate and appreciate their hand-work and never-ending passion for saving lives.

I think we should honor all those other heroes who still live today. I'm starting a petition for a National Firefighters Day. Will you help make every September 11th "National Firefighters Day"?

Please join me!"

Thank you.

Connor Geraghty, age 14
Rockville Centre, New York (I Love u, DAD!!)"


Okay, I agree we should have a National Firefighter's Day. Heck we have Boss' Day, don't we? That's fine and dandy. But does anybody else think that choosing September 11 for the day seems wrong?!

 

[MidnightAngel]

No, I don't think it's "wrong". I can see reasoning behind it. As far as the victims on the planes and in the towers, they did not choose to be there. They did not make the choice to risk their lives to save someone they didn't know (Ok....the ones on the plane that crashed in PA would be the exception to that statement, I agree). I don't know that I would have sponsored or come up with the idea, but I don't think it's "wrong".

Note: I'm a certified firefighter, so my opinion may be biased.

 

[MissTaken]

I am not sure. September 11th may not be the day, in that it harbors so many negative memories for so many.

Also, there are a myriad of heroes who took part in the rescue efforts, police officers, emergency services staff at hospitals and even 911 operators.

If it is to be commemorated in honor of those who selflessly work towards the health and safety of our nation and it's people, perhaps it should be called "Emergency Services Personnel Day."


Just a quick thought on the matter.

 

[TygerEyez]

Let me rephrase myself: it might not be "wrong" persay, but I think their choice of what day is a little distasteful. Like I said, I'm all for it, but...

Think of it this way: The day we were attacked at Pearl Harbor was not turned into "National Navy Day" or anything like that. The day itself "lived in infamy," right? The day of September 11 will forever be remembered for the World Trade Center, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. By slapping the "national firefighter's day" on it, years and years down the road, people might start to forget.

Guaranteed, one day a child will learn about September 11, and know only of that day as National Firefighter's Day.

I just think they should pick a different day is all.

 

[Caria Knight]

I agree that there should be a day for those unsung heros that gave thier lives and continue to risk thiers for us. However, I agree that September 11th is not that day. Not only does it deminish (sp?) the significants of that day & it leaves out the other public servents who also lost thier lives. But most of all I think it's wrong for the sakes of the families of those who lost innocent loved ones on that day. Thier mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter & friends didn't chose to give thier lives but lost them none the less. By making September 11 a praise of firefighters or even all public servents I think it degrades the lives of the thousands of other victims.

I understand that this boy wants to memorilize (sp? or is it even a word) his father and his fathers choice to risk his life. But it shouldn't be done at the large risk of causing more pain to other victims.