Peace officers will be paid tribute today, August 26, 2011. According to this Yahoo News report, September 11, 2001 ‘remains the deadliest day in U.S. law enforcement history.” I had no idea. I paid tribute to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officers, on August 20, 2011. Still, it did not sink in that as many as 72 peace officers were murdered. This killing spree cut across from the Port Authority officers to NYC police officers, even the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service? Unbelievable....just unbelievable.

The thought that came to me, the fear of 9/11 being forgotten, that caused me to begin this month long memorial/tribute to those murdered on 9/11, is echoed in the following paragraph:

"Over the past 10 years, the horrific events of September 11, 2001 seem to have faded a bit from our collective consciousness. But the service and sacrifice of the 72 courageous law enforcement heroes who laid down their own lives that day for the safety and protection of others will always be remembered here at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial," said Mr. Floyd.

Mr. Floyd, this is one individual memory, from whom these “horrific events,” will not fade. To be blunt, I am grateful that my deep faith and trust in God, rescued me from the thought of revenge, which permeated my soul, during those first days after 9/11. I have oft quoted what my late mother used to tell me – “God does not like ugly.” These murders were ugly. But, vengeance is God’s. He will repay, and He will not be repaying with 72 virgins and eternal sex. The joke is still on the murderers. They were duped and were dopes.

Let’s take a look at real heroes. Vincent G. Danz “A Special Breed,” was a husband, father, brother, son, and ESU officer. Here we have yet another ordinary gentleman making a difference in the lives of many. His brother described him:

"He wasn't boastful. He wasn't one of those guys with the swelled chest at the bar. He loved his work and the guys that he worked with. They would die for one another. I think that goes globally for the N.Y.P.D. My brother and his partner went into the trade center without any questions. They knew what to do and how to do it. Unfortunately, this thing was bigger than either of them."

“This thing was bigger than either of them,” really sums up the horror of the day. Yet, “this thing” did not break the indomitable spirit of many who appeared to go about doing their jobs, knowing full well that there was the possibility and probability that they would die. This is what the creators of “this thing” did not factor in.

Which parents would not want a son like Stephen Patrick Driscoll? His parents had a dream. He worked “overtime,” after finishing his shift at his job, towards the dream. He helped them to fulfill it. I am sure when the parents look around their dream house, they see their son, they dream about one day reuniting with him, even just to thank him once again. I did not quite understand the part about the family moving into the house of October 13, as no year was given.

For a moment there, I was beginning to imagine supernatural happenings. I decided to search further, and found this link, NYPD Angels.  There is much more information, including the fact that Officer Driscoll was a husband and father. That makes his working to fulfill his parents’ dream all the more notable. He was balancing his job, his family and the dream.

I did it. I had been fine up to now. After reading the bio of Mark J. Ellis, my eyes began misting over. Maybe something got in my eyes and I am not really tearing up. Officer Ellis of the “legendary character,” although a risk taker, did not die from taking risks while enjoying his favorite sports. He died because men of lesser character, egged on by dreams of orgies in the afterworld, took his life. His partner’s summation of Officer Ellis’ character is telling:

"You couldn't get him to do anything wrong," said Officer Eric Semler, Officer Ellis's partner for three years. "He might bend a rule, but he would never break a rule. It was almost to the point where it was annoying."

Again…heartbreaking, just heartbreaking, to read the following:

After Officer Ellis's death, his parents received acceptance letters from both agencies.

Here is another case of someone who bonded with children and helped other adults, being taken. The “tickle monster,” Robert Fazio Jr. is no longer available to play with his nephew, and the children of his friends. He is no longer available to help his neighbors with their vehicles, or fulfill his dream of opening his own car repair shop. But, he got in years of doing what he loved, and made a difference while he was here, right up to the very end, when he was called to assist others in need, at the World Trade Center.

It is going to be good to end this article with a smile, or several smiles, those of Sgt. Rodney C. Gillis. I got a kick out of reading about his “smiles for all occasions” – knowing, proud, concerned, encouraging, and courtesy. The “dedicated father of three” is gone. His smiles probably live on in the memories of family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers he helped.

As I have spent these past sixteen days getting to know those whose lives were taken from them, I cannot help but keep remarking at how remarkable they were. They were not “celebrities” in any sense, but they led lives that should be celebrated and not ever forgotten. I feel as if I have crammed, and will cram, ten years of history into a little over a month. I would not change this experience for anything.

It was going to be good to end this article with smiles. But, “Islamist terrorists” are suspected of once again reminding the world of their rapacity for flaunting their handiwork, this time in Nigeria. One of the weapons of choice, the car bomb, was used, and eighteen folks were sent to their eternal rest. I will repeat: God does not like ugly.

Ironically, as I was typing this tribute, I was listening to a Tribute to Jake Hess, gospel singer, from Gaither Productions. The program, ended with Mr. Hess singing I Know Where I Am Now. I knew that would be the song for today’s tribute. I hope that our fellow citizens, protectors, are where they should be.  May God continue to create men and women of their caliber, character, caring, and concern. God bless America.