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About 6 weeks after the tragic events of 9/11, I ran into an LA CITY Firefighter friend of mine at Starbucks. He had just returned from Ground Zero. Reluctantly, I asked him what he brought back with him. Having stayed back in my own community and not had the opportunity to respond to the tragedy, I guess I was looking for something to connect me and help deal with the loss of 343 brothers.
Steve answered my question, “As I was leaving Ground Zero and shaking the hands of the FDNY Firefighters I had worked alongside for over 3 weeks, one firefighter grabbed my hand tightly–looked me straight in the eyes–and said, PLEASE DON’T FORGET US.”
Those short but carefully chosen words compelled me to answer the FDNY Firefighter’s request. I decided to find a way to remember by creating a 9/11 Tribute Patch that all could wear to create unity, remember and even raise funds for the family’s left behind. The project was called, “The National Firefighters 9-11 Memorial Patch,” and over the past 7 years, went on to involve over 5000 organizations in 22 countries.
10′s of thousands were raised and donated and even decals were made and sold as an alternative for those organizations with strict uniform standards. I made the connection I was looking for with the FDNY and even felt I helped make the connection with thousands of other organizations out there who just wanted to show their eternal support.
Who I am? Just a catalyst of sorts–answering a higher call. I never imagined the project, now known as the “9-11 Patch Project,” would go on to be recognized worldwide. I never knew soldiers would proudly wear the patch while deployed in Iraq as an act of solidarity with firefighters and I never knew firefighters from other countries would proudly wear the patch with the back drop of our U.S. Flag on their uniforms.
Finally, I never knew the project would continue over the years as strong as it has. Leading into the 10 Year Anniversary, my plan is to get the 10 Year Anniversary Patches on the uniforms of all firefighters, EMT’s, paramedics, police officers and soldiers. It is a tall order but one I am up to. Is it time to move on? Or is it time to continue to remember? I’ve done my job so now it’s up to all of you to decide.
Brett Hill- Founder
http://www.9-11patchproject.org
Tags: 9-11 patch project, 911, fdny, gROUND zERO, the national firefighters 9-11 Memorial Patch