I was so moved with emotion immediately after the September 11 terror attacks, I wrote a poem called “Last Call”. Many of you know this poem was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul of America. It was also recorded as a beautiful song by my friend, Sara Green. On the one-year anniversary of the attacks, Sara’s incredible voice brought this poem to life for 10 New York City firefighters (and many others) during a Remembrance Memorial in Clearwater Florida. After that Memorial, Sara received the following e-mail from Lt. Brian Grisanti, Engine Co 160 F.D.N.Y.:
Date: September 24, 2002
“Hello Sara,
My name is Lt. Brian Grisanti. I recently retired from F.D.N.Y. I was present at the Sept. 11th Remembrance Memorial at the Harbor View Center in Clearwater FL this month. You might recall I made a speech during the ceremony. That was probably the hardest thing I was ever called to do, especially after hearing your rendition of ‘Last Call’. I am writing you to commend you on this beautiful song. I tried so hard to hold my emotions while you were singing, but I succumbed to tears.
I can personally relate to the words of this song because many of my brother firefighters were able to call someone before they perished. I heard this from many of their widows. My engine company is in quarters with Rescue Co. 5. We lost 11 men from my house that morning. I am still trying to come to grips with that loss.
Your song does put a lot of things in perspective and I find it quite healing. Myself and the other nine firefighters that joined me for the Memorial were gifted with a copy of the CD. I often listen to it, and it brings tears to my eyes every time. I just felt a need to let you know how your song touches me. Thank You for a job well done. And please, for the sake of the 343 firefighters and all the victims of that tragic day, NEVER FORGET!”
Sincerely,
Lt. Brian Grisanti
Eng. Co 160
F.D.N.Y.
To read the words and hear this beautiful song, please go to the Home page of www.davetimmons.com or click on the following links:
audio file: www.davetimmons.com/LAST_CALL.mp3
pdf words: www.davetimmons.com/LAST_CALL.pdf
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