Remembering Our 9/11 Heroes
Tunnel to Towers CEO Frank Siller sits down with program recipients at New York City’s One World Observatory to reflect on how 9/11 changed their lives forever.
The anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil serves as a poignant reminder to pray for and support the efforts of all first responders, said Bishop Robert Deeley of Portland, Maine.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Deeley was not yet a bishop.
"I was a pastor at the time at St. Ann Parish," Deeley wrote in a reflection on the day that he provided exclusively to Fox News Digital.
The parish, he said, was located across the Boston Harbor from Logan Airport.
9/11 PROMISE RUN: ANNUAL RACE FROM PENTAGON TO GROUND ZERO PROVIDES ‘GOD MOMENTS,’ FOUNDER SAYS
While the day started out like most others, it quickly changed as news of the attacks broke.
Bishop Deeley, then a pastor, was across the Boston Harbor from Logan Airport, where American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 took off from on Sept. 11, 2001. (Getty Images)
Both American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, which terrorists overtook and shortly drove into the North and South Towers, respectively, originated at Boston’s Logan Airport.
The realization that the terror attacks began from Logan, a "familiar" and "welcoming place," shocked Deeley — and the rest of his community.
DOUBLE RAINBOW OVER BUCKINGHAM PALACE AFTER DEATH OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II: ‘LASTING SYMBOL’
"It brought the story too close to all of us," he said. "It left all of us feeling hopeless."
Not knowing what else to do in the immediate aftermath, Deeley decided to open up his church and began praying the rosary.
Bishop Deeley, then a pastor, opened up his church, St. Ann Parish in Boston, and began praying the rosary on Sept. 11, 2001. (iStock)
"Within a short time, the church was full, and it remained that way all day," he said, "as we understood little by little what had happened."
Amid the national tragedy, however, Deeley and his flock "began to see that there was something good" happening: the actions of the first responders.
"The hope they brought was real, as was our gratitude, and that must be remembered," he said.
This is especially important as time passes, he said, creating "a generation of youngsters who have little recall of this terrible tragedy."
"We must keep the memory alive of the generosity of those who serve us," said the bishop.
The aftermath of the attacks "continues to be an essential part of our society," said Deeley.
Visitors gather to pay respects during the Flight 93 National Memorial's annual Luminaria on the eve of 16th anniversary ceremony of the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2017 in Shanksville, Pa. First responders continue to suffer the effects of exposure to toxins and chemicals, said Bishop Deeley. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
"Our first responders, police, firefighters, disaster personnel, game wardens, EMTs and others keep us safe each day" — and often under immense pressure and stress.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
"What happened on 9/11 reminded us that we are well-served by those who protect us and serve us," he said. "In remembering the heroism of that day and its aftermath, we need also to express our gratitude for the continuing service of the same groups of people."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
First responders continue to suffer the effects of their exposure to toxins and chemicals while trying to save lives, he added.
Fun stories about food, relationships, the great outdoors and more.