Carl Asaro ...just one of 2,996... 9/11/01 to 9/11/06

~He was just one of the 2,996

innocent people who lost their life on September 11, 2001

~He was just one of the 343

innocent New York firefighters who laid down their life in the line of duty to save and protect

~He was just one of the 2,996

innocent people who died that day who was called husband, lover, friend, other half by the love of their life

~He was just one of the 2,996

innocent people who died that day worshipped and called ‘Daddy’ by precious children who thought the sun rose and set in his eyes

~He was just one of the 2,996

innocent people who died that day who had so many varied talents and dreams, which are now unfulfilled and put to rest

His name is

Carl Asaro

On September 11, 2001, at 8:47am Carl was just a 39 year old firefighter connected to the 9^th Battalion, Engine 54 Ladder 4 unit of the FDNY located on 8^th Ave. in mid town Manhattan. On September 11, 2001 at 8:48am everything for Carl and all those who loved him changed forever through no cause of their own.

recent picture of Carl's firehouse
with the dedication mural in place on the door

Carl was an ordinary guy, who did extraordinary things for a living. A firefighter since 1987, he was married to the love of his life, Heloiza. Together they and their 5 children, Philip and Carl Jr. (13 year old twins), Matthew (12), Rebecca (10) and Marc (7), lived a normal ordinary life in Wallkill, NY. Carl’s job and all those who worked beside him, was to run into a disaster instead of running away from it. Carl was just 1 of the 343 New York firefighter’s that day who gave their life just doing their job.

Carl was a Deadhead in the truest sense of the word, hosting a wake/barbeque in his backyard when it was announced that Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead had died in 1995. Inviting over 50 guests and decorating his yard and deck with T-shirts and memorabilia of the Grateful Dead he paid tribute to his hero. It is reported that Carl’s memorial service was held on Saturday, October 27, 2001 and that some of his Grateful Dead T-shirts and band paraphernalia was used to decorate his service. As a tribute to Carl and his love of music and the Grateful Dead, songs like “Touch of Gray” and “Friend of the Devil” were played at his service in his honor.

At the dedication of the Firefighter’s Memorial Park across the street from the midtown firehouse where Carl worked, his Battalion Chief Joe Nardone said, when speaking of Carl; “Not too tall but a giant in stature. A man of many interests.” Chief Nardone spoke of Carl’s love of music from Beethoven to the Dead. Carl played the guitar, piccolo, and piano, and he had an interest in acting. He had already starred in several non speaking roles in movies and on television, including “15 Minutes,” “The Siege,” and “Frequency.” He also played a paramedic on “The Sopranos,” “Law and Order” and “Third Watch.” He was looking forward to finally landing his first “speaking role”.

In volunteering to participate in this project, it drives home the fact that Carl was so much more than just one of 2,996 who died that day. Being a widow myself and painting this loss with my brush, my thoughts and prayers go out to Heloiza, Carl Jr., Philip, Matthew, Rebecca, Marc, and any and all of those who loved Carl. I pray that each of them is given a sense of peace that all is well with Carl, and that their journey in accepting his absence in their everyday life is balanced with the knowledge that he is forever with each and every one of them. Five years is nothing when you measure that loss with love.

Today I honor Carl Asaro, as well as each of the other 2,995 who lost their lives on 9/11.

close up of the mural on the firehouse door

I end this tribute with a copy of the Fireman’s Prayer...

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage;

Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late;

Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert, and hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me;

To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.

And if, according to my fate I am to lose my life;

Please bless with Your protecting hand, my children and my wife.

~Author unknown

Photo courtesy of United In Memory 9-11 Victims Memorial Quilt™: A Legacy of Love

Please pay a visit to 2,996 and read your way thru the tributes to these innocent people who lost their life on September 11, 2001.


tags:
never forget
2996
September 11

**because of bandwidth problems, the links to the list of particpants and tributes is directed to a mirror site. You can also make use of the blogroll in my sidebar. **