When 9-11 happened, I had been off the job for years, but the strong feelings of brotherhood came rushing back to me in full force. I just wanted to be with the guys at my old firehouse, Engine 55, just to give them my support. I knew how hard it was going to be on them. Each of them knew at least 30 guys who were killed that day – five of them from their own house. And they knew how tough it was going to be for their fallen friends widows and their children. I found out later that on 9-11 5,000 children lost a parent – 880 of them were firefighters’ kids. One of them was a lovely, young girl of 14 named Dana Palmer. Her dad, Battalion Chief Oriole Palmer, was there working that day at the World Trade Center. It was more than 2 weeks before Dana would give up hope that her dad would be found alive. Dana finally wrote him a letter that she read at his memorial service last October. The young actress Caitlin Wachs is here tonight to read that letter…

FINALE SPEECH

For 134 years, Americans have gathered together on this special day to honor our fallen heroes. As we gather this year, the conflicts of the past come alive again in our hearts as they always do. Pearl Harbor, Battan and all the battlefields where Americans have died for freedom. Tonight, we are especially aware of the violence of this past year – the tragedies that have wounded us all, yet have shown us again the heroes who walk, unrecognized, among us. It is for you, our heroes who have suffered and died for us around the world and across the generations, that we gather in tribute tonight. Your gift is beyond measure. In your sacrifice, you give us hope – hope for the healing the emptiness of grief, hope for easing the cold ache of fear. Seeing your bravery, perhaps we can find the courage to reach out for what we need -- a word, a hug, a prayer, someone simply to be with us. Your sacrifice renews in us a hope in the fundamental goodness of life and love. Because of you, we share one dream as we honor you tonight – a dream for a lasting peace, for a better world.