As a nation, we watched in horror as our country faced terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Most of us sat paralyzed in front of our televisions, but many heroes rushed to the site of the attacks to assist in any way they could. We are all familiar with the countless firefighters and police officers who selflessly ran into the chaos, but there were also EMS technicians, laborers, construction workers and other responders who put their own lives at risk to help on that day and in the months that followed.
On September 11, Dr. Benjamin J. Luft waited at Stony Brook Medical Center in Long Island, ready to treat victims. He waited and waited, but no patients arrived. For the most part, people either escaped, or they were killed. Several days later, he found another way to help. He opened a voluntary clinic for first responders to meet their medical and psychological needs. Today, his clinics serve more than 6,000 responders. Through his experiences with these men and women, Dr. Luft began working on an oral history project to record the stories of these American heroes. The written result of this work is We’re Not Leaving: 9/11 Responders Tell Their Stories of Courage, Sacrifice, and Renewal.
We’re Not Leaving contains five sections: Caught in the Collapse; Looking for Survivors; Recovery, Recovery, Recovery; The Responders Need Help; and Renewal. The narratives that fill these sections are not edited, and they reveal the deep emotions felt by the first responders on September 11, as well as in the days, months, and years that followed. These stories are raw. Many of these men and women lost friends and family members, narrowly escaped their own deaths, and spent days and months surrounded by destruction and an extreme and unhealthy environment. They suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, anxiety, and lung disorders. And unfortunately, many deal with anger about how they were treated when they became ill as a result of their heroism.
We’re Not Leaving is part of our national history, and the stories of these men and women should matter to all of us. As Dr. Luft eloquently states:
A deep understanding of the singular impact of this disaster requires us to examine more than the statistical facts and the foreign and domestic policy consequences. It is important to remember that 9/11 is far more than the catalyst for two wars and onerous security restrictions. In addition to the horrendous loss of almost 3,000 lives and the resulting devastation to family, friends and society, it is an event that a group of individuals experienced in a very personal way, bearing long-lasting consequences. Many of the heroes of September 11th, the men and women who responded to the call, are still recovering from the disaster.
We owe it to these men and women to hear their stories. As I read their words, I was touched by their grief and saddened by the lifelong effects they now face. Amazingly, they would all do it again. As much as they hurt and suffer, their patriotism and love for friends and family continue to shine. It is men and women like these who have made our nation great. As we stop to remember the tenth anniversary of September 11, let us remember the men and women who faced horror for our good, and let us support them as they strive to move forward.
Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.
Jennifer says
I like how you put that “We owe it to them to hear their stories.” I’ve sort of avoided all the attention on the anniversary, but it’s been sobering to think of, and you are brave to open your heart to read about it.