Epilogue
September 9, 2005, The White House
Hundreds had gathered on the South Lawn of the White House. It was a day of somber remembrance, as family of those First Responders that had died on 9/11, along with their colleagues and officers who led them, met as they were to be posthumously honored with the Heroes Medal of Valor Award.
The wife, children, and parents of NYPD Officer Nathan Zidek were among those in attendance. As his Commanding Officer, Captain Randazzo was also present, to pay his respects as well. And at the insistence of Nathan's widow, three other people were invited to attend on behalf of Nathan Zidek: Officer Jo Polniaczek, Blair Warner, and David Warner.
The event was resplendent with Marines holding flags near the entrance of the White House. The first speaker, U.S Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, read the names of every First Responder who died that day. When he finished, the audience rose and applauded.
After that, President George W. Bush came out and made his remarks.
"The 442 names you just heard belong to men and women of uncommon valor and decency and honor. On one of the worst days our country has ever witnessed, we witnessed the courage of some of the finest people our country has ever produced. And their sacrifice will always be remembered...
"...The legacy of peace and freedom we leave behind will be the greatest memorial to your fallen family members and friends.
The heroes of September the 11th will not be here to see that day. But their moms and dads and children and grandchildren can know a proud America will always stand in the long shadow of their service and sacrifice, and a proud nation will always remember them.
May God bless you all, and may God forever bless the memories of those who sacrificed on behalf of our citizens."
End
Dedicated to the 442 First Responders who died that day in New York City and Washington D.C, and to those who died on the four hijacked flights that day, especially aboard United 93, who fought back and probably saved the American Capitol Building from destruction.
They gave, as America's Sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln said:
"...that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain."