The Sacrifices of This Day Should Never Be Forgotten

Today is a day that will live in infamy -- a day we will never forget. Nor is it a day we should ever forget. President George W. Bush said it best when he said: "Our freedom and our very way of life was put under attack today."

It is a day when 2,977 innocent lives were lost. A day when 2,977 men, women and children left their homes thinking they would see their loved ones at the end of the day. A day where bystanders ran into collapsing buildings to save lives. A day children lost parents, and mothers and fathers lost sons and daughters.

For me -- what hits the closest is the 343 firefighters who answered their last call. My whole life I have been a part of a fire department and I know what if feels like to know your parent is in a dangerous situation to save other people. My dad has been a firefighter for the greater part of my life. Those brave men and women who gave their lives in an effort to save others will never be forgotten.

In fact, 13 children of fallen firefighters will be graduating this month to become firefighters themselves. These graduates are known as "Legacy Graduates," a name that carries a ring of honor and pride. It is the most legacy graduates the fire department has had in one class. Their graduation is set to commence on Sept. 25.