The memory of September 11, 2001 has not faded in the American consciousness. It is likely to remain in the forefront of our collective mind for generations to come.What concerns me is that the event could be remembered in a big picture sort of way while the people who died in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania are forgotten.
The 2,996 project, which was surrounded by controversy last year, has all but shut down. What was a vibrant voice has been minimized to not much more than a whimper.
What has not dampened, what has not faded away, is my enthusiasm to recognize and celebrate the spirit of an American hero:Joseph Vincent Vigiano
Joseph, a member of the New York City Police Department, and his twin brother, John, a New York City firefighter, were both killed when the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11th.
Their birthday was April 5th.
{A 2,996 tribute to John Vigiano}
Both Joseph and John were Eagle Scouts. John was the serious one and Joseph the funny one according to their father.
Joseph Vincent Vigiano was killed while attempting to rescue trapped victims. He was posthumously awarded the New York City Police Department's Medal of Honor.
Joseph Vincent Vigiano was married and had three children. The two oldest boys, pictured were 8 and 6 years old. The youngest was 3 months. His wife Kathy was also a member of the New York City Police Department. The family lived in Medford, New York.Joseph was assigned to Emergency Services Squad 3 in Harlem.
I picked up a few facts about Joseph from The Officer Down Memorial Page which is dedicated to him as well as some other websites.
Joseph served as a New York City police
officer for 14 years. He was 34 years old on September 11, 2001.The site characterizes Detective Joseph Vincent Vigiano as one of the most decorated officers in the New York City Police Department. He was shot and wounded three different times in his career.
Richard H. Jacob wrote the following comment on the Officer Down page:
Joey, what can we say, Its been going on 6 years and we still talk about you all the time. The crazy things you did in the 75. Remember when you locked me in the office? We pray for Kathy and the boys as they continue on without you. We know that you are watching, to guide and help them along. Your tireless energy and your fun personality, your attention to duty and your heart of gold. Rest in peace my brother, you are so missed......
Jakeman & Mrs Jakeman
75 pct Sgt Retired
It is my hope that the family and friends of Joseph Vincent Vigiano and his brother John are at peace.
I will not allow the memory of Joseph Vincent Vigiano to fade away. While the word is easily thrown around these days, he is a true hero.
This is what makes blogging a worthwhile endeavor for me.
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6 comments:
This put a real face on the tragedy of that day better than a boatload of country patriotic songs. I am sad the world lost heroes like these.
This is a great post. And I think I can see what you'll be submitting to the Blog Rodeo.
When you have a chance I'd appreciate you coming to have a look at my tribute to Thomas Richard Kelly.
That's a beautiful and poignant tribute Kilroy. People like Joseph and his brother are the true heroes of September 11th. It was a terrible tragedy with so many poor souls lost.
P.S. Hope you're ok. I haven't heard from you in a while. I've received a few carnival posts and will hopefully get some more before the weekend.
You did a wonderful job of letting us all get to know Joseph and to focus our attention on what is really important- his life and his family. May they all find peace.
A great living memory to Joseph and John. When you write a article like this it keeps their memories alive.
Excellent tribute! It is people like this who make the country great. And i think we are collectively forgetting about what happened that day. We need to stop giving awards to celebs all the time and start giving credit to people who actually make a difference in the world.
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