Monday, September 11, 2006

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 9th Battalion, Engine 54 Ladder 4 unit of the FDNY located on 8th 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.


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**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. **

49 comments:

Tish said...

Beautiful tribute! Carl was a wonderful person and a hero in the truest sense of the word. How tragic that his life ended so soon and in such a horrible way.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Carl.

Carl said...

As an actor who spent a lot of time in the Theatre District, I know Engine 54 well, and while I don't remember Carl, certainly I must have run into him in the Subway across the street or one of the delis on 8th.

When I heard that Engine 54 was hit hard by the disaster, I ran down there to see if anyone I knew was around.

They weren't. That scared me more than anything that day.

AFSister said...

When you break down the number 2996 into the "ones"... you come up with thousands of men and women like Carl, and they are no longer just a number. They become real. And we miss them- even if we didn't know them.
Beautiful post, Lynda. Thank you for your kind comment on my 2996 post. I'm sure you had a hard time writing your post, as I did.

The Wandering Author said...

That was a wonderful tribute to Carl. While all of those who died that day deserve remembrance, I can't help feeling that those who voluntarily went towards disaster while all others were fleeing, and in so doing saved countless lives, deserve a special place in our hearts. Carl, I pray for you and for your family, that they will be comforted until they may be reunited with you.

MrsGreenThumb said...

What a wonderful tribute! I am crying as I remember Carl Asaro, I never knew him but what a loss to all of us. I will remember his family, their loss is unimaginable. You have written a beautiful homage to a selfless man. I know you spent many hours writing about Carl. Well done.

Motherkitty said...

Thank you for your lovely comments on my 9/11 tribute. After reading your post about Carl Asaro, I am terribly moved and saddened at the horrible waste of so many lives on that fateful day. I feel terrible for the families and friends of those lost. They will not be forgotten.

Anonymous said...

A wonderful tribute to such a beautiful life. Simply beautiful.

PAI said...

You Go Aunti!

A very fitting tribute, you had tears in my eyes before I even started reading about him.

When I lived in New York I used to walk by 4 Truck's house everyday. I'm still amazed by how beautiful that mural is.

Carl was a hero, and he will always be remembered.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Beautiful, Beautiful Tribute. Reading all these beautiful tributes is heartbreaking and painful, but not as heartbreaking and painful as those that actually live this loss every day of their lives.
Thanks for your touching words about this incredibly brave man. I too hope Carl is at Peace.

Miss Chris said...

Wonderful tribute. Thanks for sharing.

The Baby's Momma said...

One of 2,996....another American Hero. My deepest sympathies are extended to The Asaro Family for their loss. Thank you Carl for protecting and serving our country, you will not be forgotten.

Anonymous said...

Very nice tribute. Thanks for allowing me to learn about Carl.

Mine's up.

Ginger said...

Wonderful job, Auntie Lyn...thank you for your kind words on my blog. I have been so blessed by this project. You are so sweet...God bless you.

Anonymous said...

Well done. Beautiful.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

I echo many of the same thoughts that have posted before me. You've written a wonderful tribute to an ordinary guy who did extraordinary things. It saddens me also to see the waste and loss to the families and friends of these fine people. I know that his family would be moved by your touching tribute. My tribute was for a FDNY firefighter named Durrell Pearsall, please drop by and visit.

Katherine said...

That was a suberbly written tribute. I feel like I really got to know Carl. Firemen are such special people. Thanks for stopping by my tribute to Marjorie C. Salamone.

Elizabeth said...

Thank you for writing this. It is such a beautiful tribute.

Brooke said...

*whistle*

That was a beautiful tribute to one of America's finest heros, whom we miss every day, but even more so on this fifth anniversary of their departure.

Thank you SO MUCH for posting!

Anthony said...

Your tribute to Carl is absolutely wonderful. I was pleased to have been assigned a New York City firefighter as well. I don't see it possible to give enough recognition to those who chose to give their lives saving others.

My memorial is a simple one; nothing like yours. I do hope I have done him justice.

The Lives And Times Of Anthony McCune

Anthony said...

Your tribute to Carl is absolutely wonderful. I was pleased to have been assigned a New York City firefighter as well. I don't see it possible to give enough recognition to those who chose to give their lives saving others.

My memorial is a simple one; nothing like yours. I do hope I have done him justice.

The Lives And Times Of Anthony McCune

David Edward said...

that is great ! good job
one of mine is up - the other is in progress
God bless you
and God bless America

Anonymous said...

Rest in peace, Carl and God bless your family.

A beautiful tribute, Auntie Lyn. Thanks so much for your comments on mine for Stacey.

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful tribute to this fine young man who died trying to help others. It really touches the heart.

Thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

You have done a wonderful job. I have to stop reading these for a while. It is just so overwhelming to total up the lives lost, the pain caused, the horrible, horrible cost to our nation

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute. This project was so hard for me in so many ways, but I am glad to be a part of it. I was a soldier on that day and my husband still is, currently deployed in Afghanistan. That day changed our lives, as well as the lives of so many. 5 years later, with my husband over there, it is a constant reminder. It is bittersweet for us, as it is also my oldest son's birthday.

Vickie said...

What a beautiful tribute you shared of such a fine young man.
That day changed the lives of so many people I say that as I
just finished e-mailing one of my best friends who is over there
fighting now.

Thank you for your comment on my tribute. May they all be remembered
with much love.

... said...

Beautiful tribute. As hard as it is to read them, it's nice to know so many people found it important to take time out and honor those we have lost. Thank you.

benning said...

Auntie Lyn, this is one of the finest tributes I have read. It is poetic, lyrical, beautiful. Carl is brought to life by you and I think he'd be pleased by your effort.

A young man, with promise, cut down before his time. A brave man, risking his life for others. A Husband and Father whose loss is measured in tears, weighed in memories.

Thank you for this fine tribute, Auntie Lyn.

Anonymous said...

Auntie Lyn:
You have honored Carl in his family in a beautiful and moving way. Thank you for putting so much love into this tribute. He was taken from his wife, children and family far too early...our prayers are with them today...their hearts must ache for this incredible man.

Thank you,again, this tribute is humbling.
Michelle

jennifer said...

Thanks for stopping by Auntie Lyn. Your tribute to one of the heroes of that day is so touching. These were tough to write, harder than I was expecting, and just as hard to read. But so worth it.

It's going to be a difficult day.

Kate said...

Lovely tribute -- thank you for helping Carl to live on in our collective memories, so that he's more than just another name.

Thank you, too, for your kind comments on my own efforts to honor Ruth McCourt.

Chanel said...

This is truly a beautiful tribute. Instantly brought me to tears. Thank you for keeping Carl alive in memory.

I hope you don't mind, but I quoted you in my tribute...In my case, some things are better captured by others, such as you. :)

May Carl rest in peace and may God bless his loved ones.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful tribute. We lost so many beautiful souls that day.

Please read my tribute to Major Dwayne Williams, who was lost at the Pentagon.

Jen said...

Way cool, a Deadhead Firefighter Dad! We lost a true hero that day.

I Remember Anna Williams Allison

Lilize said...

beautiful tribute.

it is very admirable a person who is willing to give their lives to save others. America and the whole world should be proud of them, for they have not touched only americans, but the whole world.

my tribute is to joseph peter anchundia.

Alicia said...

Wonderful... It's the individual portraits that make the number 2996 so painful. Thank you for this picture of a man whose life was cut too short.

Monica said...

A wonderful tribute...mine was to a firefighter from Rescue 5...wonderful men, both of them.

bernie said...

So many heroes died that day, it's so hard to keep reading.

Thank you for a beautiful remembrance.


I linked your tribute at 2996 tribute to victims of 9/11 - Terrence E Adderley

Carolyn F said...

Well said. Mine is up as well for Peter Milano.

Globetrotter said...

What a beautiful tribute to a mighty fine deadhead. It's wonderful to see how many bloggers did this, and how it gave us insight into so many ordinary people who lost their lives that dreadful day.

MAryanne

Traci said...

Great job! These are hard to read in the sense of a loss so incomprehensible. Thank you for writing this tribute and for visiting my journal on AOL.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for a great tribute to this great man.

Nancy said...

Hi,
You did a wonderful, honorable job of paying tribute to this hero. He was lucky to have you chosen to do this for him and those who loved him.
(Thanks for stopping by too)

Hugs,
Nancy
http://journals.aol.com/nhd106/Nancyluvspix/entries/2006/09/12/a-gift-of-love/1262

Kell said...

It is so hard to read the tributes, but we owe it to them... every time I think I'm cried out I see something new...

thanks for your kind words on my tribute.

Kelly

Marianne M said...

What a wonderful tribute! And thanks for your kind words about my tribute.

Anonymous said...

A truly beautiful tribute. I think all of us who have taken part in the project have been deeply moved in researching and writing about these dear people we never knew. I have added my permalink to Abner Morales.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the comment , now I know it must be working ok. I also want to thank you for all you have been doing for the 2996 tribute to victims of 9/11. God Bless and take care. Bill

It's me, T.J. said...

A wonderful tribute.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting.

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for writing such a beautiful tribute for my father. I am his oldest son Carl Jr. and appreciate that you can speak of my father in ways that decrbr him so well. Again thank you and God Bless you.