Every day is a good day to take a moment to recognize and be grateful for the multitude of workers who provide us with the goods, services, conveniences, and simple pleasures that we use and encounter in our daily lives. I’ve written about them here, here, here.
As readers of Confined Space well know, many of these workers are sickened, injured, and disabled due to hazards, exposures, and conditions they encounter on the job. Some never make it home at the end of their shift. Indeed, fatalities are far from a rare occurrence. In 2023, 15 workers died every day from hazardous working conditions (more data here).
The Anniversary This Week
This week evokes painful and poignant memories of courage and lives lost 24 years ago on September 11, 2001, the day highjacked planes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and into the Pentagon near Washington, DC. Perhaps, like me, you remember where you were and what you were doing when the news broke. Or maybe you were not even born. If you want to look back on the events, there is plenty to read on line, e.g., here, here, here – and my own earlier reflections here.
So many workers lost their lives that day: the crew members on the hijacked planes; the office workers, analysts, maintenance personnel, janitors, security guards, foods service workers, and countless others who formed the backbone of the WTC’s daily operations. The military personnel, contractors, and civilian employees at the Pentagon. Every one unique and special – and now united by the simple act of going to work on what seemed like an ordinary Tuesday.
Honoring the Courage of First Responders
I want to call out the heroism of the first responders — the firefighters, police officers, and Port Authority personnel who ran towards the danger. Embodying the highest ideals of public service, these heroic individuals didn’t hesitate in their mission to save lives; they rushed into the building as others fled, climbing endless flights of stairs while carrying heavy equipment.
The first responders who died that day were fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers. Some were seasoned veterans; others were recent recruits. But all shared a commitment to doing their jobs and protecting the public.
A Legacy of Resilience
In remembering the workers who died on 9/11, we honor not just their deaths, but also their lives. They were people who loved their families; who had plans, dreams, and aspirations; and who were cherished colleagues, friends, and neighbors. Their legacy lives on in the children they raised, the work they did, and the memories held by those who knew them.
And 9/11 is a testament to resilience. In the face of this tragedy and in the weeks and months that followed, many if not most of the WTC and Pentagon survivors returned to work, albeit in temporary office space. The responding firefighters and police officers continued to don their uniforms and be there for the public. The paramedics who rushed to provide aid continued to respond to emergencies.
They all basically said NO to terror. They showed us that while buildings can be destroyed, the spirit of compassion and perseverance are far stronger.
Bottom Line
So as we mark another somber anniversary of 9/11, let’s observe a moment of silence. Let’s continue to keep their memory alive. We can honor them by embodying the values they represented: dedication to our work, care for our colleagues, commitment to our communities, and love for our families.