The photo above was taken some months ago.  The fence surrounding the entrance to the PATH station at Ground Zero, just across the street from LDRNY's office, was covered in photographs, flowers, flags, and mementos left by the thousand of people that passed by each day.   I was struck by this message in particular.

We all have vivid memories of the day six years ago when "everything changed."  Some of us lost loved ones and friends, some barely escaped with our own lives, some toiled at the site and may be suffering illnesses, PTSD, and injuries as a result.  Many lost jobs, clients, and peace of mind.  Some have gone to war.   Most of us are still grieving the subtler, but equally real, loss of part of our own innocence and faith.  We all miss the Towers themselves, symbols of so much of what our city and our country stand for.

But this handwritten, anonymous sign offers hope in the midst of our grief, a reminder that today, we are alive.  We are all human, and humanitarian.  We have, once again this year, an opportunity to remember and honor a shared experience.  Through LDRNY and my personal story of simply living in New York City, I have witnessed over and over again the limitless compassion, dedication, inspiration, and hard work that have encouraged us all to heal.  I am filled with such gratitude that as this somber anniversary approaches once more, I can recall by name the people that have helped me and helped others.  I can see new buildings being born outside my office window.  I can sit at a table with brilliant colleagues to decide how best to assist those who are in need.  This is the legacy of 9/11 for me.

With hope and peace,
Mikki Baloy

Director of Operations