The recent commemorations of the combined 9/11 disasters was poignant. So many suffered and so many families are continuing to grieve for their loved ones.
It is fitting that the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania sites are becoming memorials to that tragic day.
While the families of the victims will have places to gather and reflect, there are issues that still must be adequately addressed.
The first responders on 9/11, as well as those responding to all future tragedies, must be helped, and helped now. So many of these men and women are now suffering for their unselfish service.
The first responders of 9/11 breathed in toxic dust for days on end, leading to many suffering fatal respiratory diseases. For anyone to say these brave individuals cannot be afforded proper health care is beyond reason. To say there is no documented proof for their physical problems is wrong. The first responders were not provided with adequate safety gear and are now suffering the consequences.
In addition, a national inter-connected radio system must be put on-line immediately, no matter the cost. The lack of interoperable radio systems contributed to confusion and mismanagement after the attack on the World Trade Center, as well as at other disasters before and after. These courageous men and women who risked their lives to help others must be given the proper tools to do their jobs safely and efficiently. All first responding units must be able to communicate between each other.
Remembering those who lost their lives is the essence of our humanity. But should also be a national priority to care for those who protect us all.
— Bernard Biernacki, Aurora
