On September 11, 2001, a devastating terrorist attack unfolded, claiming the lives of approximately 3,000 individuals, marking 22 years since that tragic day. This series of events involved the hijacking of four commercial airplanes, leading to two of them crashing into New York City’s World Trade Center Twin Towers and another striking the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
While nearly 10,000 people sustained injuries during these horrific attacks, the courage of first responders, particularly the valiant firefighters, played a crucial role in saving many lives.
Among the 343 firefighters who tragically perished that day, twelve were esteemed members of the Black Vulcan Society. Established in 1940, this organization aimed to combat discrimination within the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
According to New York Amsterdam News, the deceased Black Vulcan Society firefighters include Gerard Baptiste, Vernon Cherry, Tarel Coleman, Andre Fletcher, Keith Glascoe, Ronnie Henderson, William Henry, Karl Joseph, Keithroy Maynard, Vernon Richard, Shawn Powell, and Leon Smith Jr.
Many of the firefighters, according to Capt. Paul Washington, a former president of the Vulcan Society, were inside or just outside the Twin Towers when they collapsed.
“It’s up to us to keep the memory alive. They made the ultimate sacrifice,” Washington said.
Let’s not overlook what occurred just 14 years ago today. Let’s not forget the suffering that many New Yorkers went through at the time and continue to go through. Not the workers, the first responders, or anyone else, let’s not forget those who died. Let’s not forget to remind everyone that on that day, our people also gave their lives and made sacrifices.
SOURCE: blackculturenews.com