PAX Centurion - Winter 2016 - 2017

Page 24 • PAX CENTURION • Winter 2016-2017 617-989-BPPA (2772) The hole in the ground that was left after the two buildings collapsed was too much to bear for many. We first felt sorrow and then anger as a nation. We wept for our innocent citizens and first responders who perished in the rubble. Asking how this could happen would be a moot point at this time. There is no good reason in the world to justify this heinous assault. God will not reward these terrorists with vestal virgins. I have no sympathy when I hear the likes of these individuals have been gunned down or blown up. I could think of many other ways these demented people should meet their maker. The only other atrocity that compares would be the attack on Pearl Harbor. My parents told me how horrible this day was, but I’m sure had they lived to see this attack on Manhattan, they would agree this was worse; there were about 574 more deaths. Both attacks would lead us into war with our enemies which would lead to many more casualties. Unlike WWII, our fight against terrorism is still going on, and may continue for some time to come. After many years, I was finally able to visit the area known as “ground zero.”Approaching the Freedom Tower was an emotional experience. The ever-flowing fountains with all the names of the victims etched in stone around the edges were beautifully done. You could see flowers scattered around the edges, placed atop the names 9/11: Fifteen years later By Mark A. Bruno Attention To all members of the Boston Police Relief Association – Active Duty or Retired If you need to change your beneficiary or you are not sure of who your beneficiary is you can contact the relief office at 617-364-9565. If you leave a message your call will be returned and if necessary the paperwork will be sent out to you. Thank you. William F. Carroll, Clerk, Boston Police Relief Association I t is hard to believe that fifteen years have passed since the “Twin Towers” were taken down by two hijacked planes. Watching all the documentaries on this solemn anniversary has not lessened the pain. Watching the planes deliberately slam into both buildings and the chaos that ensued afterwards still shakes me to the core. No event in my lifetime could ever equate to this one act and the mental scar it has left me and many other Americans with. We sometimes take for granted the everyday-freedoms that we enjoy. This one event is a game changer and has forever altered the way we carry out our day-to-day lives. The fact that there are individuals in the world that hate us enough to kill innocent people with impunity is both disheartening and disturbing. The Manhattan skyline will forever be void of the magnificent structures that occupied the space.