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Bob Abate New     Dear Fellow American: On Tuesday, September 11th, 343 New York City Firefighters died in the line of duty at the World Trade Center. The worst prior death toll was 12 firemen killed in a 1966 inferno.  More firemen were lost that day than the total of all the NYFD's fatalities since the start of World War II. On Sunday, September 23rd, an interfaith memorial prayer service was held in Yankee Stadium for the victims of the  World Trade Center attack. It was a wonderful tribute and show of support for the 20,000 people who attended but I was saddened to see so many empty seats - approximalely 40,000 - knowing that they would probably be filled to capacity for a ballgame, especially this time of the year. Monday, National Public Radio made a most unusual public service request. Listeners in the New York City area were asked to try to attend as many funerals as possible for the heroic fireman who perished because, due to the enormity of the death toll, it would be impossible for each Firefighter to receive the hero's funeral those killed in the line of duty had traditionally received in the past. It then really hit me -  the empty seats in Yankee Stadium followed by the NPR plea for public support.  And so, I want to do something that will hopefully have a lasting impact on the surviving families, especially the more than 1,000 children of those unbelievably brave and selfless men. These sons and daughters need to know and be told by each of us, individually and collectively as a nation, how much we respect and honor their fathers' ultimate sacrifice and that it was not in vein. Their material needs are being addressed through various sources but their hearts and souls need immediate attention and long-term consolation. Except for family, nothing is more sacred to firemen then their calling. Their motivation is fundamentally simple yet vastly profound - to risk their lives daily to save the lives of total strangers. In a very real sense, when they ran into the Twin Towers, into the jaws of death and the very fires of hell, they went in for us - each and every one of us and those we hold dear. We now need to respond and reach out to their children, telling them how much we appreciate and respect the ultimate sacrifice of their fathers. My Dad was a NYC Fireman for 30 years and remained one at heart until the day he died. In one respect, I'm glad he wasn't alive to witness this horror because I don't think he would have been able to bear the loss. It certainly would have ripped his heart.  He was the most giving man I've ever known as I'm sure these sons and daughters can attest about their fathers. He was buried with his New York Fire Department ring and badge - once a Fireman, always a Fireman. I cherish each and every testament to his service and bravery. The World Trade firemen's families have no bodies to bury and they will have no cemetaries to visit. Their lack of closure creates a void that is nearly incomprehensible. But each and every one of us has the ability to provide an emotional lifeline and a genuine source of solace in a simple yet extraordinarily meaningful way. Their fathers' legacy to us was instantaneous and unambiguous. They willingly and unhesitatingly gave their lives for total strangers - potentially, each and every one of us. And in so doing, on America's Darkest Day, they were our guiding light and a beacon of Freedom's Bravest to the world. It is now our sacred duty to show our gratitude and honor these heroic men through a living legacy to their children. I trust you will look into your heart and write a personal letter, telling these children what their fathers' sacrifice means to you. I also respectfully ask that this request be forwarded to all of your family, friends and associates. All appropriate letters will be personally delivered and distributed to the children with the assistance and coordination of the New York City Fire Department. I thank you and the children will always remember and treasure your kindness. Please send your letter to: Bob  Abate 125 Bajart Place Yonkers,  NY  10705 Email:  rpa63 Total Posts: 4 | Joined Nov. 2001 | Posted on: 12:00 pm on Nov. 10, 2001 | IP

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