Firefighters Mark 9/11 At Firemen's Monument On Riverside Drive
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - Thousands of firefighters stood at attention at the Firemen's Monument on Riverside Drive to pay tribute to their brothers and sisters lost on 9/11.
WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs In Upper Manhattan
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If you speak to any of them about that horrific day ten years ago, you will most likely hear the word "change."
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"There wasn't anybody, I don't think, that was not affected by what happened on 9/11, whether you were in the fire service, or were in some other job that had nothing to do with it, it changed all of us," said firefighter Daryl Sales. "It changed each fire department, where they, they knew, it really became evident the risks that are involved."
Richard Batista was a firefighter on 9/11. He said while on his way to Ground Zero, he thought everyone was going to be rescued.
"I had very little firefighting experience at the time, very little awareness of what the perils were that were actually facing," he said. "One of the older guys on the engine told me on the down that a lot people are going to die here today day but I didn't have that foresight. I thought we were going to rescue everybody."
Thousands of friends and family in attendance at the firefighter memorial on Sunday. Robin Kerner felt the need to be there.
"I think gathering as groups, you know, remembering the event, talking about it, is part of healing for many of us," she said.
The FDNY lost 343 firefighters on Sept. 11th. Firefighters honored each of them by name Sunday morning.
Later in the day, a memorial exhibit will be dedicated at the New York City Fire Museum. The exhibit is of the helmet and coat worn by FDNY Chaplain Mychal Judge who died in the lobby of the North Tower.
Did you know a firefighter who was killed on 9/11? Share your memories below.
