I have written before about what 9/11 was like for me on a personal basis. Having family in the city that day and wondering, dealing with the grief and fear of my students, the eery quiet because the planes were grounded. Each year on this date, I like to dedicate a post on this blog to someone who lost his/her life on 9/11 as a memorial to their lives and a testament to the loss. I do this as a participant in the 2,996 Project.
This year, I have the honor of remembering Michael Roberts.
Michael is one of the amazingly brave firefighters who ran into the danger zone to save innocent civilians. Barely into his 30's, Michael had a reputation for being a good listener. Maybe that was his way of putting his psychology degree to use, but in looking at his photo, I think it stemmed from a kind heart and a friendly spirit. Michael has a big grin and laughing eyes in the photo I saw--wide open arms and looks like someone to whom you could spend lots of time spilling your heart.
He also followed in his father's footsteps, as many New York Firefighters seem to, when he made the decision to enter the Fire Academy. His father, Robert, retired from the FDNY as a Captain. Coincidentally, another Michael Edward Roberts (also the son of a firefighter) also lost his life on 9/11. The two families met at a memorial service and discussed their boys. Same age, same name, same profession. Same fate. I mention this because I'm not sure how these two young men were separated in the 2,996 Project's assignments. I realized as I researched that I could not be certain I have selected the correct Michael Roberts to honor, so I decided to honor both. I wanted to be sure both men received recognition in some way as their lives and paths crossed in a most profound way.
The Michael I located first (and discussed above) finished up his bachelor degree and then decided in February of 1998 to pursue his childhood dream. His family notes that when he was 4 years old, his father took Michael to the firehouse and sat him on a rig there. And that, as his family remembers, was all it took to spark a desire in Michael to join the ranks of the FDNY. Once he'd finished the Academy, he was assigned to Ladder 35 near Lincoln Center with the badge number 13392.
While he was doing this, his identically named counterpart, was assigned to Engine 214 with the badge number 6611. This badge number held special significance (scroll down to Roberts in the alphabetized list) in the Roberts' family as it had belonged to Robert Roberts who then passed it to his brother, John, when he left the job. When John Roberts left the fire department, he passed the badge down to his son, Michael. The badge held such sentimental significance, Michael's mother was concerned his habit of losing things may cost the family an antique. Michael, however, did not misplace that badge in the four years he had it. No need for an extra badge--the "one for everyday" use his mother suggested. Remembered by those who worked with him as being generous with his time (volunteering to fill in on holidays for firefighters with families), Michael was remembered as a most conscientious recruit with a rising star career on his horizon.
These two men personify all that is good and right in our country. Sacrifice is something we understand in this household as we have major doses of it in yearly increments. However, I also remember when my husband worked as a firefighter. I'm not sure I can fully understand or appreciate the mechanisms necessary to be married to a firefighter somewhere as active as New York City. I do, however, understand the immense pride in and fierce loyalty to the ideals of the service and sacrfice and those who do these kinds of jobs.
I can honestly say that I will not forget these two men because their shared factors are so unique and memorable.
On this day of remembrance, I will say a prayer for their families, friends and brother firefighters. I encourage you to do the same.
I am so glad you did this
Posted by: AWTM | 12 September 2009 at 12:26 AM