Saturday, September 11, 2010

Iron and Steel Brigades Honor 9/11 Fallen


Never Forget - Montage by Aspiegirl
A tribute to the fallen firefighters of 9/11.
View full screen at YouTube.

Iron and Steel Biker Brigades

Firefighters Honor 9/11 Fallen


On a day the world remembers the men and women who died in the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks on the United States, we also pay tribute to the 343 firefighters who perished at ground zero in order to save others.

The montage above was created by Clay Aiken fan Aspiegirl at the request of the mother of "California Mike," who had joined hundreds of firefighters in the 2009 Iron and Steel memorial bike ride from New York City to the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, GA, where an I-beam was dedicated to Army soldiers who have served this nation since the 9/11 attacks.

Among those honored in 2009 was New Yorker Rick Rescorta, a Vietnam hero who gave his life helping to save others on 9/11/01.

Riding in formation, the firefighter biker brigade
was met at each state line by highway patrol and escorted to the next state line. Along the way, they were saluted by cheering Americans on highway overpasses, as well as at designated fire company stops.

2010 Brigade Bikes to Virginia

In August, two weeks before the ninth anniversary of 9/11, firefighter bikers assembled at ground zero and delivered steel beams from the World Trade Center to the Arlington County (VA) Fire Department, whose members were the first responders after a third plane crashed into the Pentagon. The beams will be incorporated into a memorial yet to be designed.

"California Mike," son of CA fan Sally, also participated in the 2010 event and is scheduled to arrive back at his home fire station today. His bike can be seen in the final frame of the featured montage.

In 2008, the first Iron and Steel biker brigade escorted a two-beam cross section to the volunteer fire company in Shanksville, PA, initial responders to the crash of United Flight 93, the fourth plane commandeered by terrorists.

The montage also honors families and loved ones
who have pulled together since 9/11/01. Nearly 3,000 people died in the 9/11 attacks, including 23 New York Police Department officers and 37 Port Authority police officers, as well as victims in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon.

The "Never Forget" montage is accompanied by Creed's recording of "With Arms Wide Open."

America will never forget.

Caro

See previous Carolina On My Mind entry for National Inclusion Project voting links in the Pepsi Refresh campaign for a $50,000 grant.

Thank you for your blog comments and props for contributing artists. To leave a remark, scroll to the bottom of that section, click on the "Post a Comment" link, and write in the box provided. Many thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

10 comments:

musicfan said...

Thank you for this beautiful blog. This is an event that we will remember forever.

I am sure that there are so many that have a personal story of 9/11. I wish each of them much love and support today!

katy said...

Honor those who gave their lives with respect and peace. We will never forget.

Sylvia said...

Thank you for a wonderful blog everyday. God bless you and keep you safe.

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

Hi Caro,

What a wonderful tribute to ALL those that lost their lives on Sept 11th. "Aspiegirl" did an awesome job as always!

We lost a local young man on 9/11, not a fire fighter, but a recent graduate of Cornell that had just started a dream job in the Twin Towers....let us never forget any of these young men and women.

Thank You again Caro, for a wonderful blog.

Hugs,
Marlyne

Aspiegirl44 said...

Thank Caro for this heartfelt blog. "California Mike" shows so much dedication to his fellow firefighters and is a hero in his own right for his efforts to show respect for the men and women who sacrificed so much to save others.

My prayers go out to all who lost loved ones on 9/11 and I hope that they are never forgotten.

((HUGS)) Kathy/Aspiegirl

Unknown said...

Today, we honor firemen, soldiers and all who have sacrificed and served to keep us safe, and we grieve along with the families and friends of those who have fallen.

I've watched Aspie's montage at least a hundred times, and still the tears flow. My son, "California Mike", sent it to everyone who was involved in last year's ride and I'm sure they and their families were comforted by it.

Thank you Kathy, for creating this moving tribute, you are a true and dear friend.

And thanks to you too, Caro. We will never forget.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the nice blog, and hope U r having a good wk. end! 9/11 will never leave ppl's minds. It was and is terrible.

Unknown said...

PS: I got a text message from California Mike; he just made it home - total miles this trip, 6911.

Mom will sleep easier tonight.

Sandy said...

What a beautiful montage by Aspiegirl! I shed a few tears watching this!
There were so many courageous men and woman who answered the call of duty that day. God Bless them all and I will never forget their bravery!

Anonymous said...

Dear Caro...
my thought goes with you all my American friend.
Hope love, peace & humanity will always win.
No hatred, attack to innocent people & killing ever approved by any religion in the world.

Puteri from Indonesia