In preparation for the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, the New York City Fire Department has added the names of 43 firefighters, paramedics, and civilian support staff members who have passed away as a result of illnesses related to the rescue and recovery efforts following one of the darkest days in U.S. history to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall. These individuals died as a result of illnesses related to the rescue and recovery efforts following one of the worst days in U.S. history.
This number is close to the 343 people who were killed in the Twin Towers on that tragic day. A total of 331 members of the New York City Fire Department have already been honored there after dying away as a result of illnesses caused by 9/11.
This is the second-largest group of individuals to have their names added to the memorial wall in its 12-year existence, and on Wednesday, a ceremony was conducted to announce the new names, making this the second-largest group of people to have their names added to the memorial wall.
The families of the “heroes” who lost their lives in the attack were informed by Laura Kavanagh, the fire commissioner of New York City, that their loved ones’ names will be put to the memorial wall.
“As we approach the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, the FDNY continues to feel the impact that day,” Kavanagh remarked at the ceremony that was taking place in Lower Manhattan. Every year, new names of those who have devoted their lives to the betterment of others are added to the wall of honor located here. These brave people arrived to the World Trade Center that day and continued to come up in the weeks and months that followed the attacks to assist with rescue and recovery efforts at the site. They will remain in our minds forever.
The authorities have said that a significant number of the newly added names on the wall on Wednesday correspond to fatalities that have occurred more recently.
There is no consolation to be found in words at this time. During the memorial service, the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, said that “there is nothing we can say to replace the pain that they sustained in the experience throughout the years as we mourn further and further away from the September 11th attacks.” Both those who were inside the building at the time and those who assisted in the aftermath may be considered heroes.
It was said at the dedication that took place in 2011 that it was “dedicated to the memory of those who bravely served this department protecting life and property in the City of New York in the rescue and recovery effort at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center.”