The presentation given by Pascack Valley’s Director of Curriculum Barry Bachenheimer was explanatory and respectful, honoring all of the events of that tragic day and the people who suffered due to the terrorist attacks. His presentation highlighted the work of the EMTs and paramedics in the surrounding area called in to help in the aftermath of the attacks. Bachenheimer mentioned the many groups of people that tend to get forgotten in the stories of the day—those who made a big difference in the country as it got back on its feet. Often this list includes the iron workers who used their machinery and expertise to help remove wreckage at ground zero and the institutions like Madison Square Garden that opened their doors to the thousands of people working day and night to move wreckage and find people under the rubble. He also explained that the local EMTs on 9/11 had to work extremely hard to keep up with the regular work of the ambulance squad that was moved to help in the aftermath.
Bachenheimer also focused on the problem of the dangerous air quality in Manhattan and how it is still reaping victims to this day, causing illnesses like cancer in the heroes of 9/11.
By listening to Bachenheimer’s first-hand account, I was able to understand what “Never Forget” can mean to people in my generation who weren’t alive to witness or remember the horrific events of that day. Also, giving back to our communities today can help make this world a better place and honor the people who sacrificed themselves for others on and after the attack. Although my generation wasn’t alive, we can use the stories of the people close to us to ensure we “Never Forget” 9/11.
