Rick Rescorla - A True American Hero
Friday, September 10, 2010 at 11:00AM This is not about the Anthonys. This is about someone who should never be forgotten.
Originally published in 2006, this is my account of but one man. I plan on posting this every September 11, in honor of Rick and all who perished that day. I will do this until I can do it no more.
Rick Rescorla was born in England. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963 and retired as a colonel in 1990. Rick was a bonafide hero of the Vietnam war. In 1965, at the la Drang Valley battles, Lt. Gen. Hal Moore described him as “the best platoon leader I ever saw.” Rescorla’s men nicknamed him “Hard Core” for his bravery in battle. His heroism was documented and highlighted in the 2002 movie “We Were Soldiers” from the book “We Were Soldiers Once… and Young” co-written by Gen. Moore.
Since 1985, he worked in corporate security, subsequently becoming Vice President of Security for Morgan-Stanley/Dean-Witter, the largest tenant in the World Trade Center. After the 1993 attack, he trained all employees to evacuate the building. He maintained a structured, quarterly drill carried out by all staff to orderly get out. He is the man who predicted 9/11. Please see The Richard C. Rescorla Memorial Foundation.
On that fateful day, he safely evacuated all 2,800 Morgan-Stanley/Dean-Witter employees but himself and a few of his security staff. After doing his job, he returned to rescue others still inside. These were not even his people. They were all his people. He was last seen heading up the stairs of the tenth floor of the collapsing WTC 2. His remains have not been recovered. He left a wife and two children. This man is widely recognized as being solely responsible for saving over 3,000 lives. Is it of any importance that he became an American citizen after Vietnam?
Rick Rescorla is but one hero who perished that fateful day, but what a man he was and what a soul he has that will and should live forever in the hearts and minds of all who cherish freedom. All over the world.
See also: Calegion Post 149
- MICHAEL NAGLE / NEW YORK TIMES / REDUX
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which holds approximately 2,000 pieces from the original WTC site in a hangar at JFK airport, has recently stepped up its efforts to find permanent homes for the artifacts. Any town or city, anywhere in the world, can apply for permission to take away a piece from the collection and build their own memorial around it. In this photo, a piece destined to become part of a memorial in York, Pennsylvania is secured to the bed of a trailer.
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Reader Comments (22)
Wonder article about a wonderful man.
Living in NYC, I can;t help but feel the souls of the lives lost. I get upset with all the commotion regarding the mosque. America was built on religious freedom. I understand the families needing a place to grieve and for those families the memorial will be their families resting place. All of New York in various places feels the loss. I walked passed the fire department near me yesterday and flowers have started to be delivered for the 8 lost firemen from my area who lost their lives. People came from all over to help. All new york is hollowed ground as far as I am concerned. So I just do not feel the loss on this day but I am reminded of it ever day. The city changes forever and it is time to mourn but time to go forward.
There were so many stories that sad day. This one I do remember because of his bravery in going back into that building to evacuate others. From looking at the foundation link you put up there I see that bravery seemed to be second nature to him. Vietnam was a hard hard place for our boys to learn to go forward even when the odds were against them... and boys they were. Rick survived Vietnam for a reason I think. That reason was his last act of bravery.
I'm one of the people who just never understood why there had to be a monument built on the site. It should have just been plowed under and planted with flowers and kept as a memorial place.
I agree. A nice memorial should have been built right away. Sept 11 will be etched in my mind forever. Too many years have gone by and too many fights about how to build a new building. A nice sculpture garden would have been fine with me. For all those who lost people that day, I want to wish condolences.
This is rather off topic to Dave's article, but I thought you all would be interested in this letter
written by J. Cheney Mason.
It is relevant to the day that it is today where we all remember the tragic events nine years ago this morning.
http://wdbo.com/common/pdf/orlando/OpenLtr9-9-10mason.pdf
Thank you, Marsha. You wrote a very poignant and dignified comment. You, too, Connie.
Today is a solemn day in American history, one that will never be forgotten. I know a lot of people would have liked that tract of land to be turned into a memorial park, but that's prime real estate, and down in the Wall Street district, nothing rules more than money. There could never be a way that property would lay dormant forever. I hope that as the new towers rise, each building stands tall as a testament to our solid resilience and determination to turn bad into good; to overcome our enemies.
I would have liked to write a post about the irreverent reverend in Gainesville, but I wasn't sure what angle to take other than it was a dumb idea. At the same time, the only reason why we even know about him is because of the media. I didn't want to give him any more exposure. Besides, I would have been too opinionated. Cheney Mason said it a lot better than me. Thanks for that link, Suzanna.
Dave- I don't want to hear another word about that hate-mongering SOB in Gainseville (ironically in NYC today, of all days!), and I am SO GLAD to see this instead. I taped the special on him last night and will insist on seeing it today regardless of what game or other my menfolk want to see! I lost a number of fellow alumni on that day- my cousin lost her two closest friends- my BIL lost co-workers- we all lost a sense of false security. I've visited the city since then but can't go there yet. I kept looking towards the south, really almost expecting to see the towers still. A series of "Oh, No- Oh, No"s ran in my head. Thank you for the reminder today of all the good, strong people out there- the ones who choose to do right, and not evil...
Karen - There were so many heroes that day in NYC, Washington and on Flight 93, that I chose one man to speak for the many who perished along with him. There are many others who live on today, but not one of them has come forward to proclaim their acts as heroic.
Rick Rescorla was an extraordinary man who would have been the first one to tell you he was just a regular guy.
That preacher from Gainesville? He will never be a regular guy.
Yes, Dave...Florida has another blemish...What an embarrassment to the Christian Faith...He certainly has made a name for himself and become infamous world wide...It's almost as if he questioned himself and wanted to know what he could do to become a household name and get in the media....Then we have another idiot in Mulberry, Florida...The mayor who was recently arrested for inappropriate conduct with a 17 year old male...What in the world is the matter with these two outstanding citizens...As if the Anthony case hasn't brought enough disgrace to the state...This melting pot of a state almost makes me ashamed to say that I'm a bonafide Florida Cracker...
Well, Estee, don't blame Florida. Unfortunately, we do have a rather lofty cast of unscrupulous characters, but they're everywhere, in every state and nation. We must remember that great people come from all walks of life, and that includes Floridians. How many of the 19 terrorists came from Florida?
Rev. Terry Jones is not a native of this state, as a matter of fact. He's from Missouri and he has an honorary degree from the unaccredited California Graduate School of Theology. Let Huckleberry Finn's home state claim him. Along with California.
Rev. Jones is getting his 5 minutes of fame, pure and simple.
You know my main thought when I was watching the towers fall was something I once heard. "when you count the crusades, the persecution of the Jews, the holocaust, more killing has been done in the name of religion than for any other reason". It's just so senseless. As Christians we're supposed to "do unto others" and I thought Islam was supposed to be anti-war (that's what Cassius Clay said when he became Muhummed Ali to avoid the draft during Vietnam).
I prefer to remember the innocent lives still mixed with the soil of the trade centers than to give the hijackers, Rev Jones , or the idiots saying 9/11 was a plot by CIA even one minute of thought. RIP
Thanks, Glory and Hate, They always seem to come together for some reason, everyday.
Dave, thank you for this post. Rick Rescorla and all the others that lost their lives and helped to save lives need to be remembered on this day, along with all of the men and women that have and are fighting to keep us safe. I can only imagine what the people in New York feel each and every day since 9-11-2001. I, too, think that they should have created some type of memorial right away for all of those that lost their lives that day.
You know, Connie, I find it hard to believe a guy like Jones could cause the world to gasp for even a moment. I hope that gasp becomes a yawn very quickly.
It's hard to fathom how many wars, worldwide, began in the name of religion. How many billions have died over time in the name of their god? It's sad.
You know, New Puppy, when someone sings God Bless America, it isn't isn't meant to exclude every other nation on earth. What it does intend to do is include all people, and since it expresses a blessing on America, that means every person, including Muslims. There are, after all, mosques here.
Yes, glory and hate seem to live side-by-side, and live hand-in-hand, oblivious to what God intended.
I would imagine there isn't a day that goes by that New Yorkers don't look south and see what is no longer there, Mary Jo. As far as I know, there will be a memorial on that site, but I understand the fact that the property is owned by a business, not the city of NY, and it can't just be taken away from them. It's the same as Suburban Drive, except that Caylee didn't die there. For a long time, people cried out for a permanent memorial, but that land is worthless and uninhabitable. Not so with the NY property. It's worth billions and something positive should be done with it in my opinion. It needs to spring back to life in order to honor the dead. The same with the Pentagon. It wouldn't be the Pentagon if it didn't have 5 sides, and that's property that IS owned by the government.
I'm glad you posted this article again, Dave. It is sobering and touching and brings about a gratefulness of heart that such a soul as this man was there for those in need. He does represent the many heroes of that fateful day.
JMO on the pastor as I have pretty much ignored the story as much as possible. I believe he has the right to burn the Qaran as much as the Muslims do to burn the Bible, which they do, even in the U.S. I figured he was disgusted by the words in it that condemns all non-Muslims, also known as the infidels, to death by beheadings. Homosexuals must be put to death, too (even Christians would not ever think to do such a thing due to belief in redemption for anyone). I figured he was apalled at the words that gives husbands Allah's permission to beat their wives even to death for the slightest infraction. And that fathers must kill any child that leaves the faith. These are words even in the moderate Muslim's Qaran. I tend to believe the negativity toward this pastor is more about being a conservative Christian than any thing else. I heard that a prominent Christian leader has said that burning the Qaran is unnecessary and disrespectful but for citizens to read it and discover these evil passages for themselves is more in order. Now that I do agree with!
Remember, it was said on that awful day, "Allah Akbar" not, "Jesus Christ is God".
Hi, Sherry - I've been watching college football and the History Channel today. I'm watching History now, and the sement is on the Pentagon. Even Donald Rumsfield was quite a hero that day, going into the thick of it to help save lives. I have a much different respect for him now.
I think that just because the Muslims burn Bibles doesn't mean it's right for us, and if we read the Old Testament, people were stoned to death. The difference is that we evolved as people and in the Muslim faith, I don't think many of them have. That's mostly elsewhere. Here, in America, they are much more tolerant than in Iran, let's say. You never hear of American Muslims killing their wives, not like elsewhere.
I'll bet you that Gainesville preacher never read a word of the Quran. Neither have I, but I want to, just so I can understand what this is all about. The Central Florida imam who met with Jones showed a lot of tolerance. To me, that's a good man. Years ago, I wrote a letter to the Sentinel about this religion of peace (not) and it was published. The leader in those days responded to my letter and we connected on the phone. He was a decent man and I never once got the impression he hated Christians and Jews. I guess there are nuts in all religions, but why is it human nature to interpret things to only one's advantage? Why fight, especially in the name of God?
Hi Dave, thank you for reminding us, once again, of a true hero. There were many many heroes on that fateful day, unfortunately, most are no longer with us.
Here in Canada, we shared the horror of that fateful day. We wept for our neighboring country. In a small way, we were able to to extend a helping hand. I remember people in Halifax and neighboring towns and communities opening up their hearts and homes to many stranded passengers who were unable to fly back into the US because all air traffic had ceased. God Bless the United States of America.
NAV CANADA recovered 239 aircraft destined for the U.S. and Canada, and all landed safely in Canada without incident. Of these, 38 went to Gander, 1 to Deer Lake, 21 to St. John's, 8 to Stephenville, 7 to Goose Bay, 47 to Halifax, 10 to Moncton, 10 to Mirabel, 7 to Dorval, 14 to Toronto, 4 to Hamilton, 15 to Winnipeg, 6 to Edmonton, 13 to Calgary, 1 to Yellowknife, 3 to Whitehorse and 34 to Vancouver. Gander received 6,600 diverted passengers; Vancouver received about 8,500. The last aircraft to land was from the Pacific. By about 6:00 PM EDT, all planes had landed.
Source~~
Canada helps the US
We can never forget 9-11. That means all of us around the world. I remember hearing about the help we got from our neighbors to the north, which is our closet ally in more ways than one. In 2004, President Bush attended a ceremony in Halifax, as a matter of fact, to personally thank the residents of Canada. ""Let me say directly to the Canadian people, and to all of you here today who welcomed Americans: Thank you for your kindness to America in an hour of need," he said.
"For days after 11 September, Canadians came to the aid of men and women and children who were worried and confused and had nowhere to sleep.
"That emergency revealed the good and generous heart of this country, and showed the true feelings of Canadians and Americans toward each other."
I just read that, yes, more than 200 airliners carrying 33,000 people, mostly Americans, were diverted to your country, Snoopy, so let me take this opportunity to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, to you and your fellow citizens. God Bless Canada.
Dear, dear Sherry- Please tell me you do not support this hate-filled, attention-seeking buzzard from Gainesville? Look, I am absolutely surrounded by Conservative Christians here in SC- that is NOT why he's being criticized! No, that's just part of the standard "We are being prosecuted" line that is too often a part of what one gets in churches- sure, there are specific situations where that applies but very often it happens in situations where Christian proselytizing is happening in countries that do not have freedom of religion and fear destabilization from outside forces, however "benevolent". I just tried to find ONE video of Muslims burning a Bible- videos are out there but it's all from Satanist-wanna-be kids right here in the US! In fact, a Bible burning that was set to occur overseas today was halted by the local Imams, and that was retaliatory if the Gainseville action occurred. Have you read the Quran? I've read portions of it (had a boyfriend from Morocco and became intrigued when he told me about the Jesus/'Isa of the Quran! I had had no idea.) Just like the Bible there is much to commend and much that is problematical. I've met our local Imam in my area and he was quite clear that the People of the Book (Muslims AND Jews AND Christians- the Children of Abraham) are not Infidels, that that is a misinterpretation of the Quran. Just like Judaism and Christianity there are differing denominations- and many ways to interpret the passages, and these have been argued for eons. Nothing new under the sun, doncha know! I'm just so grateful that real blood wasn't shed over all this, this time. I hope he spends the next several weeks counting his donation money from all the other haters out there. This I do know- Jesus would NOT be advocating the burning of any other religion's holy works. Na-ah!
Great article Dave.
Thank you very much, Barbara. The honor is all his.