On a Tuesday early morning The eleventh of September Terror struck our mighty nation Tragedy all the world will remember

This day we won't forget Began just as any other All stations manned and ready To risk their lives to save another

Lives lived serving selflessly Uncompromising dedication Twenty four hours everyday Like so many across this nation

Our towering twins were hit In an instant without warning The sky ignited in explosion Plunging our nation into mourning

08:45 hours downtown Manhattan The box alarm was struck In seconds they're "on the job" Squad, rescue, engine, truck

Aircraft reported into tower one Smoke billowing thick and black Fuel tanks feeding flames Engulfing victims of the attack

Truckies in first Search and rescue their concern Bravely charging through debris While floors above them burn

Engines and rescues All gave up their crews Company after company "That's what firemen do"

Within moments, those in tower two Given the "okay" and "all clear" Begin returning to their desks Unaware another plane drawing near

A second plane slices through A nation stilled by disbelief As we stare in shock and horror Rescuers still enter underneath

Tower two begins to crumble No longer can she stand One hundred ten floors collapse Swallowing the life within her hands

Firemen still pouring in As tower one begins to fall Saving any soul inside they can True heroes, giving all

Our nation changed forever The skyline cut and scarred Stands a tribute to our heroes Honored in our stripes and stars

As we pick up the pieces And our lives continue on Time will pass and images fade But their memory must live on

Please don't forget our heroes And their families left behind For they too paid the ultimate price No greater sacrifice will you find

They laid down their lives Without second thoughts or complaints May God forever watch over you, FDNY, our New York saints

Author: Pamela Lacey