From The Desk of Deacon Judy

Reflections on September 11, Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

On September 11, we pause to remember those who died in the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93. We also remember the brave souls who rushed towards the horror – firefighters, police officers, passengers on the plane.

One of these brave souls was firefighter Stephen Siller who ran through the tunnels to the towers. Stephen lost his life trying to save others in the Twin Towers.

Stephen’s family and friends founded the Tunnels to Towers Foundation which, since September 11, 2001, has been providing mortgage-free homes for Gold Star families, specially-adapted smart homes for injured first responders and veterans, and services for homeless veterans. (t2t.org)

I just learned about this organization. A dear friend, Ron Morrison, died last week and wanted memorials sent to Tunnels to Towers.

In the words of one of his grandchildren, our dear friend was a “true patriot”. Ron lived into Jesus’ gospel of love expressed in John 15:13: “no one has greater love than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Ron was a Viet Nam veteran, an Army Ranger, who earned five purple hearts, two bronze stars, and lost a leg in battle. Ron, like the brave souls of 9/11, put the lives of others before his own. He did survive, but at a tremendous cost. It is so fitting that Ron wanted his memory honored to help other veterans and first responders.

Stephen Siller’s parents were lay Franciscans. Stephen grew up with the guiding inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi: “while we have time, let us do good”. May we draw inspiration from these true patriots to live life fully, sharing our God-given gifts with others.

Remembering September 11, I offer Father Mychal’s Prayer:

“Lord, take me where you want me to go; Let me meet who you want me to meet;

Tell me what you want me to say, and Keep me out of your way. Amen.”

—Fr. Mychal Judge, O. F. M., Chaplain, New York Fire Department, World Trade Center Death Certificate Number 1.

God’s peace, Judy Q+