Children of 9/11, Following Their Fathers’ Last Footsteps

We owe the children of those that died on 9/11 more than the underfunded, rushed 'investigation' that occurred. We owe our nation the truth. If we are to use 9/11 as justification for a never ending war on 'terror' and the imposition of a surveillance state at home, shouldn't we be ABSOLUTELY sure about what happened and who was responsible? But any questioning of the official explanation is condemned as a 'conspiracy theory' - even as groups like Architects and Engineers for Truth point out glaring inconsistencies in the official explanation. Why did we get a rushed and underfunded 'investigation' - with evidence removed and disposed of as quickly as possible? We have let lies lead to extended wars and direct our history before - the Gulf of Tonkin Incident comes to mind..... If a nation claims it was attacked, its people should be sure of what happened and who was responsible. It is not uncommon for a 'false flag' attack being used to start a war. According to Germany, Polish soldiers attacked German border fortifications in 1939 - there were dead bodies in Polish Army uniforms to prove it.

It doesn't seem so long ago, that terrible day when New York and the US changed forever. And firefighters became the modern version of knights. Those that died on that awful day, or because of it, protecting and helping, didn't just inspire us. Their own kids--despite their own heartbreaking losses--have chosen to follow that path as well. This is the most heartening thing I've read in a long time.

Superb article. So inspiring to know that people like these are still among us, quietly doing amazing things.

What wonderful work families of our NYFD and NYPD. We are lucky to have them. God bless each of these young people as they carry on their parents' legacies.

May God bless these probies and keep them safe throughout their careers. As the grandson of an FDNY firefighter and the son of a NY cop I understand their calling to serve. Their families have paid the ultimate price once - they all honor their fathers with their service.

Hats off to these brave young men and women. May their lives be long and filled with joy.

The FDNY is often said to be “the greatest job” and if that is still true post 9/11, it’s because of people like this. The City is so fortunate to know that if they have a problem in the middle of the night, or any time, that firefighters like these are selflessly on their way to help. God bless them.

What an inspiring story in these days of bad news. Good luck to all of you in your chosen career...godspeed.

What a testament to their parents legacy. Wishing all of them long and happy careers.

What an inspiring story. Brave, dedicated, self-sacrificing Americans. All shades of white, brown, and tan skin. Italian names, Irish names, Hispanic names, Central European names, names whose ethnicity if not obvious, at least to me.

I thank you, we thank you and respect you. "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself". –Joseph Campbell

Know that your parents are proud of you all, as New York, America, and the whole world is of them.

Touching. All the best.

As a retired volunteer and career fire chief in both Colorado and New Mexico, who once was privileged to know several members of FDNY, I salute all the new FDNY firefighters for continuing the proud traditions of their fire department, and for doing so to honor their fallen parents. The fire service is a family, no matter where it may be, no matter if it is comprised of volunteer or career personnel. This article, sharing the thoughts of the new members, greatly reinforces that wonderful tradition.

Children and families bearing crushing grief and loss, now continue to carry on a courageous family standard of honor and remembrance and service. In doing so, they bear proud witness to the memory of their parents who served. Simply remarkable young men and women; simply remarkable families. Thank you for reminding us all, of the true meaning of sacrifice, and courage, and love.

Having lived through 9/11 and its aftermath in the city, I have no words to describe how grateful and how inspired I am by both generations of these families. My deepest respect and thanks to each and every person described here. May this new generation of brave public servants all have happy and healthy careers and the long lives that were denied their fathers!

Aren’t less such as this are the main reason I subscribe to the New York Times! I hope this wins a Pulitzer!

I am so moved by their call to service. Bravo, and best of luck.

I hope New York City deserves these wonderful people who inherited the tragedies of their loved ones!

I hope New York City deserves these wonderful people who inherited the tragedies of their loved ones!

I hope New York City deserves these wonderful people who inherited the tragedies of their loved ones!

Thank you for this lovely story. And thank you to these young people who are dedicating their lives to protecting and saving others. There is no finer tribute to their parents.

One of the men profiled here said he chose to be a firefighter because he wanted to go down "the morally correct path." It's a joy to know that someone thinks in those terms regarding a career choice (or perhaps "vocation" would be a better term in this case).

This is an amazing story. I lived very close to the world Trade Center in 2001 and every year, on Sept 11 I am overwhelmed by the emotions of that day. I cannot imagine how it has been for these children to grow up and the fact that they follow the same path than their fathers is heart breaking in some way as they choose to honor their memory in their life occupation. This must command our admiration and gratitude. Thank you.

This is the very best news story I have read in so long- what powerful human spirit these people are examples of. Thank you to NYTimes for compiling this- please put it top front page over and over- they give us hope. I love my father so much, though he has changed and diminished now he is elderly, moving towards his 90th year, I know I am so very lucky to have him. These children are keeping their parent alive in their work because they are not as fortunate as I, and when I hug my father today, I will think of them and their loss- and cry again.

I remember very clearly watching the television on 9/11. The scene was terrible and transfixing as it happened live. My dad was a firefighter when I was a kid and as I watched the scene in New York my thoughts went to the first responders and their families. As the buildings came down, I cried for all of them and the sacrifice they made.

Wonderful men and women serving the city of New York. Beautiful people need to be paid like our lives depend on them. These public servants deserve the best health insurance benefits and pensions the city can afford. I know their parents are proud!

These brave men and women have many reasons to avoid the kind of public service that took the lives of their fathers. Yet, here they are, having already sacrificed so much. Seeing their photos and reading their tributes brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability and strength with us.

One of the things that strikes me in reading this article is how very young the fathers look--frozen in time (though not in memory), their children have become their peers, a poignant process beautifully illustrated in these photos.

This is a great article. What powerful pictures. Thanks

Your father's would be so proud. I am, too.

"Mr. Foti went to school around the corner from his father’s firehouse on East 29th Street, and spent a lot of time among the firefighters, before and after his father was killed on Sept. 11. “When I stop by, they still treat me like I’m 10 years old,” Mr. Foti said."

See, terrorists, there are things you can't kill, no matter how many times you try. These people were born of the sadness and grief you tried to sow, the stunned silence you managed to create for a few moments, and the dream you only wished you could possess--the dream of being a positive force in the world. You wallow in the darkness; they live in the clear, bright sunshine.

God bless and speed them, protect them too.

Two words - THANK YOU!

Beautiful and heartbreaking. God be with these wonderful fire fighters.

This article gives me ‘the same’ goosebumps I got some 20 years ago when, following what was then nearly our 20th annual Carroll Street Boys Stickball Reunion in Brooklyn, sitting with 3 of my childhood pals who (unlike me) had served in Vietnam, and listening to their tales about a shared R&R ‘leave’ when they ‘overstayed’ and were technically AWOL for 3 days (“What were they gonna do to punish us? Send us to where we already were?), I asked Rinny (born Lawrence … Larry when we were in 1st Grade at St. Francis Xavier Grammar School) why he waited years to go to college ‘instead’ of going ‘right after’ he graduated Xaverian High School so he could ‘beat the draft’ (as I had) –- and he said, “Tommy … We thought it was our duty.” I think the U.S. was ‘wrong’ to 'make' that war in Vietnam (understatement) – but I couldn’t have been more proud of these friends than I was ‘made’ by what Rinny said then (‘undramatically,’ in his voice and mind) … and by what his words ‘said’ about him and the other guys in our crowd who served and came home, and those who served but did not. The people subject of this piece are from the same ‘stock’ – regardless of ethnicity, ‘color,’ gender or religion. Goosebumps again. Great people. Good luck to all of them. They are more than deserving of it … and deserving of so much more than that.

God Bless them all

Thank you NYT for this article. It is sometimes hard to see any good coming from the tragedy of 9-11 but I see goodness in the eyes of all these angels . They will continue to save lives as their fathers did and will protect the City of New York as the men and women of FDNY always have.

I am surprised that the NY Times didn't discover Brittney Roy who is now a member of the NYPD and who was the daughter of former NYPD Sergeant Timothy Roy, a victim of 9/11. Daughter Of Officer Killed In 9/11 Attacks Joins NYPD https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/04/14/brittney-roy-nypd/ Daughter of NYC cop killed on 9/11 makes 3 arrests in 1st week on the job https://pix11.com/2017/10/27/daughter-of-nyc-cop-killed-on-911-makes-3-arrests-in-1st-week-on-the-job/ Brittney's mom and Tim's widow, now Stacey Piechocniski Roy-Christ, was extensively interviewed on Today on the tenth anniversary of 9/11 which included a segment about a special recreation program dedicated to the children of victims. As those kids were growing into adulthood, the program began to wind down.

As a 53-year veteran of the fire service, I found this article almost painful to read, and it both inspired and crushed me. I look into all those faces, past and present, and see members of my family — for that's indeed what they are. It's a bond that's difficult to describe. Every one of those fallen heroes deserves the highest degree of honor and respect that the people of any city or nation can bestow. May God bless and protect their sons and daughters.

Finest examples of "life endures". I wish them all a rewarding and long career!

This is the best article the New York Times has given us in a long, long time. (no fault of the Times, the news has been....) Every year we remember. We pay tribute at the Memorial. We visit Trinity Church and watch the video of the assistance they gave to those who worked at Ground Zero over and over. We pray in silence. My daughter is a flight attendant. In December of 2001 she led us to some Christmas trees below near Ground Zero, where the workers were doing their jobs sifting and dumping rubble. On the branches of those little trees were pictures of those who perished in 9/11. Every firefighter or worker who perished was there, in a little homemade ornament. An unforgettable moment. The parents of these officers we see pictured here today and all those who we remember, because they are gone, because of this horrific event, were there. Today, it lifts our hearts to the highest degree possible to read these stories and see these pictures of children, youth, now grown, who will serve in the footsteps of their parents. You are our future. You have survived and fulfilled dreams of so many. We honor you and we honor your futures, in service and in your personal lives. Just as we will remember the faces and lives that were lost - we will remember these young people - not only today, but always. Thank you for being brave, for being strong - for being you. So many would be and are proud. Hugs from Wisconsin and from our whole country!

I could not get through this article without getting teary eyed. The selfless sacrifice of everyone on that day. This nation really came together from everywhere and everyplace. Volunteers from all over in selfless service to their fellow man. We should remember that unity in the face of tragedy and reject the vicious anger and contempt that has currently cast a pall on this nation.

A very inspiring article. What a way to honor the lives and values of their fathers. Congratulations to these graduates and may angels walk by your sides always.

Their Dad's would be very proud of them. I wish them a long and safe career.

What an important and powerful story. Thanks NYTs for publishing it.

These stories are so important to record. These touching blood connections to the heroes of 9/11 are another marker on the journey from memory to history. And we should never forget how so many gave their lives to save the people of NYC then, and still inspire people today.

A life of service, honoring their fallen parents — they all epitomize NY's Bravest and Finest. Thank you for this touching story, NYT. Best of luck to the new graduates.

God bless these folks, and to their surviving parent, relatives, and friends who helped raise them up after such a loss.

A truly beautiful article. Lt. Jovic's ethic "to live you life serving other people" is something we should all strive to live by.

One of my most vivid memories is watching on TV the immediate aftermath of 9/11, maybe a day or two after the crash; there were big signs saying something like 'helmets and breathing apparatus required in this area', and virtually none of the people in the picture wearing them. Most were cops and firefighters, but also many civilians. There was close to total refusal to wear protective gear. None of that is mentioned during long-running discussion of the disaster-related diseases.

Entering public service, especially as a NYC firefighter is truly a noble profession.

Great article! Real NY Hero's. I worked downtown near the Center and am now part of the WTC Health Program. It affected my career and health but at least I'm alive to talk about it. A big thank-you from me and my family.

Thank you, and thanks to your families, for your brave service! The whole city, world, and your dads are all very proud.

"“Some people don’t get 12 years of any dad,” he said. “I got 12 — that’s how I try to look at it.” Wow, that is one of the most indomitable tributes to the human spirit I've ever read. From tragedy, hope springs anew. A very fine article, thank you.

Such a beautiful tribute to these amazing people past and present. Thank you for recognizing these legacies.

Spectacular stories. God bless every single one of them.

So great to see these young men (and woman) grown and doing well. Good luck to them all.

Every story is so bittersweet.... I wish them all well in their new job. Thank you for your family's service to NYC.