9-11 Remembered In Tribute to My Late Father

 

(My late father, Frank Ufert, in Korea, circa 1953, in his United States Armed Forces/Military Police uniform)

We didn't lose my father, Frank Ufert, on 9-11; he passed away approximately one month ago (July 24, 2009). He was, however, directly affected by the tragedy--he was what is now called a "9-11 Survivor."

My dad was a diabetic, and had a resultant heart attack and then a debilitating stroke in 1999 and 2000, respectively--followed by many other illnesses. After suffering his stroke in 2000, he returned to work for OSHA (in a wheelchair; the only part-time employee in the entire OSHA Region). The New York OSHA office was in 6 World Trade Center, the small building adjacent to, and directly under, the Twin Towers.

 

(6 World Trade Center on September 11, 2009) 

The story of how my father escaped the devastation is a compelling and well-documented one. You can still read the stories online. (Another from OSHA here.)

In remembrance of the passing of my father this year following his decade-long period of devastating illness, and in remembrance of the almost indescribable tragedy that he experienced first-hand and remarkably SURVIVED, I pray for the souls of everyone affected by the events of September 11, 2001.

(The World Trade Center/Twin Towers. May we remember always.)