[ihearttrisigma]

I was in transition from my first to second class of the day as a Sophomore in college.

Since, I was in class when it was happening, I didn't know about it - and when I got to the second class and the information started coming out - at first I think we all thought it was a joke, atleast those of us who had a prior class. We were let out of class, and I ran back to my room and turned on the TV - and there is was. I'll never forget that day, that roommate, everything about that day.

I come from a HUGE family of firefighters, both cousins are now in the FDNY, so while I may not think of September 11th, everyday - I think of our first responders (firefighters, police officers, EMTs) daily.

So today, I honor the 343 FDNY who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and those who continue to do a job, often without pay for those they don't know personally but only as their fellow man:

"Firemen are going to be killed right along. They know it, every man of them... firefighting is a hazardous occupation; it is dangerous on the face of it, tackling a burning building. The risks are plain.... Consequently, when a man becomes a fireman, his act of bravery has already been accomplished."

FDNY Chief Edward F. Crocker 1908