I knew three that died that day.
Richard "Bruce" Van Hine-- Truck 41 NYFD. I knew Bruce for 25 years,same church, knew his folks. He always wanted to be a fireman in NYC. After a stint in the US NAvy, and as a fireman at West Point,NY he got the position in the NYFD a few years before. He had just come off shift, and was preparing to go home, when the alarms from the World Trade Center came in. He put his gear back on, hopped on the truck,and went up one of the Towers, and was never seen again--alive. No trace was found of him in the long months after 9/11/01. When the ramp going down into the pit was finally removed a few years later, they found Bruce.He left behind a wife, two young daughters, and a widowed mom.
Donald and Jean Peterson-Flight 93. They arrived at Newark Airport early, and were delighted that the ticket agent said they could board Flight 93, which was leaving earlier than their original flight for San Francisco. This would mean more time with their grandchildren in California. They would enter eternity in a field near Shanksville, PA. Don was a board member of a Christian pregnancy center in Monmouth County, NJ;his wife a former nurse active in many church circles, a woman known for her good works. Don also counselled at America's Keswick, a Christian center for alcohol and drug rehabilitation in Ocean County, NJ started in 1897. All that was found of Don and Jean was his well marked Bible, which survived the impact intact. It was given to his son.
All three were Christians, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. They went from normal life into eternity, all under the watchful eye of their Heavenly Father, who notices when even a sparrow falls.
They left behind a legacy of kindness, good works, and a faithful testimony for their Lord.
People said, "Where was God that day?"--He was there. And He watched over His own, and brought them safely home.
Thanks for sharing your memories of that day, and the memories of those who are now in a better place.
In doing so, you help all of us to NEVER FORGET!
May God bless us.
I will never forget.