Sept. 6, 2011
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Before hosting Heroes' Day this Saturday at Ryan Field, Northwestern took time following practice on Tuesday to meet with members of a special organization dedicated to preserving the memory of some of America's bravest.
Firefighters representing the Remembrance Rescue Project visited Northwestern's practice field, bringing with them a piece of history with a remarkable story from the tragic attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The nonprofit organization is in possession of the only rescue services truck -- that of Rescue 4 -- to emerge from the attacks relatively unscathed despite being parked just blocks from the World Trade Center while providing relief.
With two other FDNY rescue services trucks destroyed in the attack and two more in need of significant repairs, the Rescue 4 truck was the only rig covering Manhattan in the days following the attacks.
"Once you see the truck and you find out what the history was behind it, it gives you chills," said Chicagoland firefighter Chris Gantz, member of the RRP. "We want to make sure the remembrance of 9/11 is preserved for generations and is not forgotten."
To that end, the Remembrance Rescue Project was founded as a nonprofit organization working to educate children about the significance of 9/11 using the Rescue 4 truck. In addition, RRP raises money to provide direct support to children of fallen firefighters.
Northwestern met with the firefighters on hand following practice to learn about the truck's history and express their thanks for the firefighters' daily efforts.
"This is obviously one of the most tragic events that ever happened in this great country's history, and hopefully the way we work and play helps lift up those that sacrificed that day and those that are out there defending our country right now," said head coach Pat Fitzgerald. "We wanted to take a moment to say thanks to men that are in our players' age group and those that are my age out defending our freedom and protecting us."
"When Coach Fitz told us about who was here it was pretty special," said senior linebacker Bryce McNaul. "We took a step back away from football and thought about the significance of what they did and what this weekend (10th anniversary of 9/11) means for a lot of people."
The Rescue 4 fire truck -- which remained in service in New York City for the last 10 years -- also will be on site Saturday for Northwestern's home opener vs. Eastern Illinois (2:30 p.m., BTN). For more information on the Remembrance Rescue Project including how you can make a donation, visit the organization's website at TheRRP.org.
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