"Twenty-three years ago, our country was under attack. Tuesday, September 11th, 2001, is a day where firefighters in New York City immediately stopped what they were doing, and willingly headed straight for the World Trade Center to assist in rescuing civilians and others from the two engulfed high-rises. That very day in D.C., The Pentagon was immersed in flames, and our Capitol firefighters rushed in to extinguish the fire. Also, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, firefighters of the small community went in to extinguish the flames, alongside other departments that responded to the scene. All three attacks were done with commercial airplanes. Just a complete horrific day for these three locations, and a sad and scary day for our country. Firefighters across this great land, have one thing in common, we are family."
Salvatore "Sal" Cassano
FDNY Fire Commissioner 2010 to 2014
Executive Board Member of Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Firefighters are a breed of one--sure, the uniqueness of the individual shines through, but the bond from one firefighter to another is the very linchpin that keeps the unity and the essence of a firefighter thriving. Twenty-three years ago, September 11, 2001, proved that firefighters, far and wide, across the United States willingly putting their team, community, city, state, and country first.... themselves, second. That message was solidified on that tragic day, that being a firefighter is all about others, and all about what they can do to help. Immediately, upon hearing of the first impact to the towers, firefighters across the USA stopped what they were doing, acted, and said we are going to help-our brothers and sisters need us. No second guessing-instantaneously, in unison, as a team, as a unit, as they had trained and responded before 9/11, they knew what they were going to do, and they did it.
9:11 A Time To Always Remember: Bond of Firefighters is a stamped time, which is visible two times a day, every day, 365 days a year- 9:11 a.m. and 9:11 p.m. Everyone remembers what they were doing on September 11th. Firefighters across this amazing country knew what they were doing. Bond of Firefighters shares individual and very personal stories from firefighters across the nation as they remember that fateful day. From a Battalion Chief to a college student who became a firefighter due to 9/11, from the roughneck to the volunteer, they all share their story in this book. It's a story of a common bond among individuals who thrive on teamwork. Every firefighter in this book remembers their whereabouts that day, just like we do. They remember who they were with, just like we do. They remember what steps they took, when they got word of the events unfolding in D.C., Shanksville and New York, just like we do. September 11th, the community spirit was thriving in the United States, we were a united nation of people who wanted to step up and help. 9:11 A Time To Always Remember: Bond of Firefighters shows us that message loud and clear. We must never forget; we must always remember...