Changed by 9/11: Loraine Huemmer, Eye Care Professional

 I remember are the JFK assassination, the great blackout, and most recently Sept. 11, 2001.  

The television at in Wantagh started carrying reports of the disaster. We worked and worried about loved ones. A good friend made it out only to die two years later of lung cancer.

Today I saw television advertising the Bush Interview Special showing the famous picture of the president standing with Baldwin Firefighter Bob Beckwith.  Beckwith stood tall and proud next to the president,a sharp contrast to the man today who requires an oxygen tank to breath. 

My bosses, Drs. Luchs and Benjamin provided ophthalmic care to firemen, policemen, and other volunteers, rinsing eyes and treating corneal abrasions. They do not talk about their service or display the picture showing them work.

I have a picture of my son, now a detective, who worked as a volunteer. He refuses to talk about the experience.

I pray all the volunteers do not suffer health complications years later as a result of their service the site. I also pray that my five wonderful grandsons  never experience a day like that in their lives, and that this country will once again someday be the strong force it was in the world.