#neverforget as a hashtag is not necessary for me. On 9/11 I was in NY for about a year having moved from France, when the towers went down I walked to my nearest hospital to give blood. I spent 7 hours on the queue. Because I had lived in Europe they would not take blood (some recent euro illness prevented it) I walked to my local firehouse, Engine Co. 44, I didn't know them, none if them. Amazing to think how well I know all of them now. I stood speaking with Firefighter Tim McVeety offering help, he thanked me and turned to the next overly emotional person who, like me, wanted to help. She tried to hand him some money "we can't accept that" he said "we work for the City, thank you though, I am sure there will be a place to take donations" I told her I would collect it and make sure the money went to whomever was in need. From that moment on, I had a place at 44. Within 10 days I collected a quarter of a million. The money went to a widow, Firefighter Mike Lyons wife, she was 7 months pregnant with a two year old. I was pleased to have something to do, proud if myself but, really it was lucky. I got to see the extraordinary generosity of people and witness the heroism of the firefighters first hand. 9/11 took the lives of 343 firefighters, or as the captain said last year it took the life of one firefighter, one brother, 343 times. I worked with Engine Co 44 for 14 years. I will be at a service today and, like every year, I will take my time considering what it would be to lose everyone in one day. I will never forget, how could I? Thank you to all the first reponders, to every volunteer whom I have had the pleasure to meet at ground zero. I hold you all in my heart and none of you will be forgotten. Sending real love to all on this day and every day. #911 #september11 #fdny #werenember #enginecompany44 #twintowers #wtc #remember