Photo by Denae Brewer/Horizon
Highbridge resident Rose Marie Doyle looks at pre- and post-Sept. 11 photos of the World Trade Center on display in garage of Ladder 49/Engine 68 on Ogden Avenue. Firefighters there invited the community to join them in observing the end of the Ground Zero recovery effort on May 30.

Photo by Denae Brewer/Horizon
This poster hangs in the firehouse of Ladder 49/Engine 68, with the photographs of the 343 New York City firefighters who died a constant reminder of the sacrifice they made on Sept. 11.

Photos by Denae Brewer/Horizon

Highbridge firefighters observe end of WTC recovery

By Denae Brewer
Editor in Chief

At exactly 10:29 a.m., silence fell across the city.

Honoring those who perished in the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, somber ceremonies on May 30 marked the end of the almost nine-month recovery and cleanup efforts at the site.

In Highbridge, 25 residents joined the firefighters of Ladder 49/Engine 68 in solemn remembrance. “This is such a sad event,” said Luz Gonzalez. “I felt honored to share this moment with the firemen who helped so much.”

The timing was important. 10:29 marked the precise time the second tower collapsed.

Outside of the Highbridge firehouse, the firefighters and residents joined in the moment of silence. Afterward, Tom Roach, the captain of Engine 68, addressed the crowd, thanking them for taking time to help in the healing process. “During this difficult time, the public and the FDNY have come together. It warms us deeply that you are here.”

Myrna Contraras, who works in Highbridge, felt grateful being invited. “They’ve all done so much. I’m honored just to be a small part of this.”

The firefighters believe that the community’s efforts were in no way small.

“The attacks had an affect on the entire city — it brought all of us together,” said Lt. Richard Saracelli “We got to meet a lot of the residents we serve. It was important that we, residents and firefighters, were all together today.”

Watching the rest of the ceremony on television, an eerie hush fell over the group. As a bugler played “Taps,” an honor guard walked alongside a stretcher draped in the American flag — the stretcher symbolized those whose remains were never recovered. Of the 2.823 people who died in the towers that day, just over 1,100 were found.

"What I thought about today was how our brothers died doing their job in a professional and unselfish manner,” Captain Roach said. “It makes me think of how I can live up to the standards they have set in their bravery on Sept. 11.”

New York City’s fire department was hit hard that day — 343 firefighters died — more died in one day then all of last century combined. Despite the staggering losses, Captain Roach assured the crowd that the department is strong. “Life goes on. Unfortunately fires go on and disasters happen. Just take comfort in the fact that you are in good hands.”

The ceremony took place 261 days after the attacks — two months ahead of schedule. Construction crews worked around the clock to remove the more than 2 million tons of debris and rubble from the site. The cleanup will continue through the summer. However, the city wanted to hold a final remembrance before control of the operation is given to the Port Authority, which owns the property.

There are no plans yet as to what will become of the 16-acre plot of land where the 110-story towers once stood. Some say they should be rebuilt — hammering home the fact that terrorist will never win. Others feel that the site should be turned into a park. Whatever the outcome, all agree there should be a memorial. “We need to remember those who died, said Highbridgian Anita Price. “Setting it in stone is defiantly the best way for us to pay tribute. Not only to those who died, but for the rest of the city.”