by 3rdrail
I was in the process of having my home's ceilings re-done and everything was moved and under plastic tarps with only a small portable TV for me to watch the news. When I heard the reports and news reports coming in regarding the tragedy, I had the same reaction as many others. I felt as if this could not really be happening as it had never happened to this extent in America before. I know that those early moments watching were defining moments in my life as to this day, when I watch TV from this small TV (I keep it in my kitchen to watch the news while having breakfast, etc.), I remember those morning hours on 9/11/01. Subsequently, I volunteered my services in the World Trade Center Joint Task Force, was cleared for Federal clearance by the FBI, and did most of my recovery work at the Fresh Kills site on Staten Island, mainly standing at a conveyor and sorting through items from the dump trucks which had recieved debris in bulk from the WTC loaded onto barges. We sorted body parts, clothing, jewelry, personal effects, identification cards, everything that you could imagine. We worked in twelve-hour shifts, either 5AM-5PM or 5PM-5AM. My room and board was taken care of by the United States Navy where I had my own cabin on the USNS Denebola. In spite of wearing a full haz-mat suit and respirator with face mask, we would return every night to the ship, taking the hottest, most thorough shower that I have ever taken in my life. Never have I gotten so covered with dirt and grime. We would then grab some grub on board, chat briefly, and then hit the hay as we were totally and thoroughly exhausted. The Ground Zero site was absolutely eerie. It gave everyone a creepy feeling like you were in one of those Armegeddon movies when only one or a few humans are left on a derelict planet. The sights, smells, and sounds there, I shall never forget. I did have occasion to be inspired occasionally, and one of my biggest inspirations was the work of the clergy at Saint Paul's Chapel (no relation). Outside, the chapel was a place where people from all over the world left condolences and thank yous to the deceased as well as the rescue/recovery workers. Inside, was truly the home of God, as they had set up as many cots as they could possibly fit, allowing exhausted workers to take a much-needed brief nap, covered in grime. Each cot had a teddy bear on it's clean surface, inviting any worker to rest. They also dispersed much needed provisions to guys, who in many cases remained there for weeks and weeks without seeing their homes. I returned there a year later, thanking them for what they did and leaving a donation.
Here's a shot at Ground Zero above the IRT's 1-9 Cortlandt Street Station, which was devastated by the WTC collapse. This was the access location for recovery personnel to enter what was a highly unstable area. I believe that this station is still not opened as a result of it's damage.
Here's a shot at Ground Zero above the IRT's 1-9 Cortlandt Street Station, which was devastated by the WTC collapse. This was the access location for recovery personnel to enter what was a highly unstable area. I believe that this station is still not opened as a result of it's damage.
~Paul Joyce~
Moderator: Toy Trains, Model Railroading, Outdoor and Live Steam
Paul Joyce passed away in August, 2013. We honor his memory and his devotion at railroad.net.
Moderator: Toy Trains, Model Railroading, Outdoor and Live Steam
Paul Joyce passed away in August, 2013. We honor his memory and his devotion at railroad.net.