Lifelong Philadelphia resident, Marathoner, Photographer, Blogger, Muse.
You can contact me at midnightbluesays (at) gmail (dot) com
Time is too slow for those who wait,
too swift for those who fear,
too long for those who grieve,
too short for those who rejoice,
but for those who love, time is eternity.
~ H. Van DykeMore
Rest in peace Marcello Matricciano, Jose Angel Martinez.
It is my privilege to remember Jose Angel Martinez, 49 years old from Hauppage, NY, whose life was extinguished on 9/11/01 in the World Trade Center.
His sister, Doris Martinez, recalled the innate kindness of her brother:
Joe was my big brother (he still is). He was a very kind and gentle person. Education was very important to him. He loved music. He and I danced salsa together, and he taught me to play sports. When we were little, and he went to kindergarten, he learned English the hard way. So when it was my turn to go to school, he taught me English so I wouldn’t be embarrassed. He did so much for me that we did not realize it till … anyway, he knows now how much I appreciate everything he’s done for me. He was my hero. I am proud to say he IS my big brother and a gift to all of us who knew him.
It has been 10 years since that crisp fall day when 2,996 people were lost in a brutal act of violence. While we cannot bring them back, we can make sure their memory lives on in our hearts. The best way do just that is to spend the day living well. Hug your children, laugh with your friends, work productively, spend time on a project that you love, or plan your future. Just take the day and live your life with joy in their memory.
Please take a moment today to remember Jose Angel Martinez – the world lost a gentle soul on that September day.
Rest in Peace Jose Angel Martinez
Marcello Matricciano, 31, Cantor Fitzgerald WTC
Marcello was a loving husband, father and brother whose life was cut short on a Tuesday morning in 2001. I’ve never had the pleasure of knowing Marcello in life, yet during my research on his life, I would imagine it would have been an honor to call Marcello a friend. What I can share are the words of those who knew and loved him speak to his character:
His wife Rosie recalls:
Marcello was a loving husband, father and son. He was Wall Street’s biggest fan. I met Marcello when I was 17 years old and he was 19 in the Bear Stearns’ mailroom department where we were both starting our careers. While others read magazines and junk that circulated around the mailroom, Marcello read the Wall Street Journal, NY Times and all of the latest financial information. He was fascinated by Wall Street and couldn’t understand why others didn’t share in his passion. I knew then that he would be successful on Wall Street. He was always the center of attention at family gatherings, sharing his knowledge of the markets. He became his family’s own financial planner and he loved every minute of it. He will forever be remembered to all who knew him as ambitious and someone who stopped at nothing until he achieved his goal. He enjoyed reading, music, soccer, cycling and, boy, did he love his Italian Food! Nothing but the best for him. He loved to read up on all of the best restaurants and best wines. He always made it his business to try the latest and the greatest places just so that he could say he tried it. He looked forward to his weekend rides in Central Park with his buddy Ed where he would work off all of the food he had eaten just days before.
Then there is Nicholas. Oh, how he loved his son! He lived his life for his son. He loved the best of everything and never gave his Nicholas or I any less. Nothing could make him happier than Nicholas could. I could not have asked for a better father for my son. Although Nicholas had you for only 4 years of his life, he will remember you for eternity. You made such an impact in his life. He misses you dearly!
My love, you were a devoted father and husband. You always managed to make me laugh with your silly and sometimes obnoxious comments. The way you dedicated your life to your family will never be forgotten. We were all very proud of you and I, too, hope to make you proud of me in the way I will continue to raise our son. You will forever be missed by your family and all who knew you. Life as I knew it will never be the same without you. You will forever be in our hearts. Goodbye My Love, until our paths cross again! Nicholas and I will LOVE YOU FOREVER!
Jason Kendall recalled the humor of Marcello
Marcello Matricciano was our company clown and stress-reliever. He was able to walk into a room, insult us all completely and make us laugh. His insults were right out of a South Park cartoon, and his friendship was as dear as his mouth was dirty. His bouyant character helped us all calm down in the bad economic days. And in the good days, he was a beacon of laughter and friendship. His wife and son, Nick, will sorely miss him.
President Bush’s opening pitch on Game Three of the 2001 World Series – NY Yankees vs Arizona Diamondbacks.
While America grappled with the raw wounds of 9/1l, we turned to baseball and our President:
Time is too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love, time is
Eternity.
It seems like yesterday when the terrible events on September 11th, 2001 occurred. 2,996 Americans going about their daily lives on a crisp early fall day in September never saw the close of that day. On that day, millions of Americans witnessed the vicious threat fundamental islam posed to western civilization. Ten years later we are a nation still grappling with this pernicious evil which has enjoyed much support within American liberal circles and political groups. While atheists protest the display of the WTC cross artifact, they are strangely silent about a radical islamic mosque being built on Ground Zero. The sheer hypocrisy of these foolish people is quite astounding.
9/11 not only woke Americans to a very serious external threat, but the ensuing ten years have identified left wing hate groups and individuals living comfortably within American culture who are just as dangerous. They may be few in number, but project their hate loudly, and have had enjoyed at one time political muscle. Thankfully, those days are over.
Yet I firmly believe, ten years on, we are a stronger nation. Our islamic enemies and allies have sought the complete destruction of America, yet here we are today, still standing. Despite recent difficulties and blunders, our nation continues to be that shining city on the hill beckoning freedom seekers across the globe. In case you are wondering, the score so far – islamic terrorists 0 – America 1 and may she always be #1.
I strongly suggest my readers take this weekend to reflect on the blessings of our lives, remember our fallen and take action to build a better nation. I believe the 9/11 fallen would have wanted us to honor their legacy by embracing life and never apologizing for who we are as a country.
Take a moment to check out the updated header graphic of this blog. I’ve changed the photos to reflect the importantance of the 9/11 Anniversary. Included in the grouping is a fellow by the name of Marcello Matricciano and his son Nicholas. An employee of Cantor Fitzgerald, Marcello lost his life on 9/11 leaving behind a wife and adorable baby boy. More details about Marcello will be coming in a separate post – stay tuned to the blog this weekend.
The Foundry has put together a website remembering our 9/11 fallen – Flag 9/11. Check out the website and sign up for the 9/11 Twibbon campaign to show your support for the victims of 9/11 on Twitter and Facebook
Let me know your thoughts and memories of 9/11…
Tune in to National Geographic tonight at 10 pm for the world premier of Remembering 9/11
National Geographic Channel presents George W. Bush: The 9/11 Interview, a world premiere documentary that reveals exclusive, first-person insight into the former president’s experience following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In the most in-depth on-camera interview he has ever given on the subject, President Bush recalls what he was thinking and feeling and what drove the real-time, life-or-death decisions he faced in the first minutes, hours and days after the most lethal terrorist attacks ever on U.S. soil. Hear in unprecedented, intimate detail what he grappled with as both commander in chief, and as a man concerned for his family and fellow citizens. George W. Bush: The 9/11 Interview also takes viewers behind the scenes with extensive archival footage and exclusive materials directly from his library that open a new window into his personal experiences during that historic day that changed the face of America, and the world, forever.
Honestly, I strongly encourage my readers and lurkers to watch this show. This is a crucial part of the story of 9/11 abscured for the past 10 years by those who sought to benefit politically on the tragedy of 9/11. With that said, I have to say that I may not be able to bring myself to watch the show. I have a difficult time viewing images of the death of Marcello Matricciano, Jose Angel Martinez and David Reed Gamboa Brandhorst.
To most people, the victims of 9/11 are nameless, faceless vicitims. It seems cruel to say so but ask yourself , your neighbor or your best friend to give the name of at least one victim of 9/11. You and I both know the answer already.
Thanks to the efforts of the organizers of ’Project 2996‘ , I know three by name. It makes 9/11 all the more personal to me, watching the towers burn is like watching their deaths. This is not the memory I want carry of Marcello, Jose, and David.
H/T: Mike’s America
On 9/11/2010 it is my privilege to remember Jose Angel Martinez, 49 years old from Hauppage, NY, whose life was extinguished on 9/11/01 in the World Trade Center.His sister, Doris Martinez, recalled the innate kindness of her brother:
Joe was my big brother (he still is). He was a very kind and gentle person. Education was very important to him. He loved music. He and I danced salsa together, and he taught me to play sports. When we were little, and he went to kindergarten, he learned English the hard way. So when it was my turn to go to school, he taught me English so I wouldn’t be embarrassed. He did so much for me that we did not realize it till … anyway, he knows now how much I appreciate everything he’s done for me. He was my hero. I am proud to say he IS my big brother and a gift to all of us who knew him.
Marcello Matricciano, 31, WTC – Cantor Fitzgerald
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
On September 11, 2009 the participants of Project 2,996 will join in a massive blogburst. With enough participants I hope we can flood the blogosphere and the internet with the names faces and stories of the 2,996 people who were murdered for doing nothing more than living their daily lives.
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