The Falling Man: Why 9/11 Still Haunts Me

The Falling Man

Almost 24 years later and the death of this man still haunts me. He is known as “The Falling Man” and jumped to his death on 9/11. It was captured by AP photographer Richard Drew and was the most famous photograph in a series of photos. His camera caught the man when he seemed to be falling in that particular position with his leg bent. Subsequently, it was the last in that series of photos.

What is even more disturbing and quite frankly disgusting is that Elton John purchased the photo and called it “the most beautiful image of something so tragic.” I think it speaks volumes that he purchased a picture of someone taking his life so as not to be incinerated alive. This image has haunted me for the last 24 years. It is something that I can never forget. I pray for that man even though I do not know his name. No one does. Nevertheless, it makes me think about my own death. Would I have jumped or faced that inferno? I can’t answer that question because I can’t imagine how he felt much less the choice I would make.

Desperate To Find A Sign Of Life

I remember seeing the firefighters, police and other volunteers covered with soot and ash as they traveled in and out of Manhattan. I remember seeing these full-grown men cry after an emotional day trying to recover the remains of their brothers and sisters, friends and strangers, fellow New Yorkers who died so tragically. I remember the flood of firefighters coming from all parts of the country to volunteer to help with the recovery process. I remember the eerie silence at midday mass at St. Patrick’s as people gathered to pray for loved ones, pray for the missing, pray for our country to heal.

The Truth Many Don’t Want To Hear

@junestoyer The Falling Man. The last few minutes of his life have haunted me for the last 24 years. #911never #911 ♬ Over the Rainbow – christmastiktoksss

I also remember going downtown with co-workers to try to find family members. The air was practically impossible to breathe and had a distinct foul odor that smelled like a combination of flesh, plastic, and waste. It hurt your chest to breath even if you tried to cover your mouth and breathe through your nose. Your eyes would water from the contaminated air. Regardless, people persevered because they were desperate to find a sign of life.  I don’t just remember 9/11. I carry it in my lungs, in my body, every day. I got cancer because of the toxic air we were told was safe to breathe. That is the truth many don’t want to hear. 

Fr Mychal’s Prayer

Mychal Fallon Judge, OFM was an American Franciscan friar and Catholic priest who served as a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department. He died bravely trying to save others. He was the first recorded death on 911. His most powerful prayer lingers in many hearts. He will not be forgotten. May God grant his loyal servant peace.

Never Forget

9/11 is something no American should forget, much less a New Yorker. Sadly, many people have forgotten. Many of the people who lived through it have died, moved, or simply don’t want to be reminded. With younger generations that do not know about this horrific event on our soil, it is our responsibility to keep the memory alive.

“To forget is betrayal. And I will never forget.”

We must tell the stories. We must share the truth. We must honor those who died and those who sacrificed everything to save others. Silence and forgetfulness are not options.

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