Innocent and unsuspecting, the world as we knew it was shaken and propelled into an ominous new existence on the earth-shattering day of September 11, 2001. Thousands of unsuspecting heroes were born on that fateful day. The victims, their families and friends, the first and all the responders - so many of whom gave their own lives, and so many other of the global population who fulfilled, or were watchful, for an opportunity to help. Grief was absolute throughout the world. It was one of the most unifying of human experiences, and we witnessed grief turning into greatness, on, and beyond, that momentous day.
Sailor Called Hero for Helping Save Five Others
Four students and two safety officers had less than a minute to escape their sinking ship. The survivors praised one of the boat’s safety officers, 53-year-old Roger Stone, for rushing them off the craft within seconds of realizing it was taking water, putting their lives ahead of his own. Mr. Stone was killed rescuing the students. When the keel fell off the boat, it capsized, and Mr. Stone drowned. The sailing team was competing in a race in the Gulf of Mexico when the accident occurred.
Sgt. Merlin German, a Marine Burned in Iraq
Sgt. Merlin German, who nearly died in a roadside bombing in Iraq, made a commitment to greatness. He was burned over 97% of his body, his hands burned into nubs. He grew up in Washington Heights, NY, and became a guiding light to the rest of the service members in the burn unit at the Brooke Army Medical Center, where he spent 17 months as an inpatient and underwent more than 100 surgeries. He was called a "fighter" and motivated the other burn unit victims. Sgt. German enlisted in the Marine Corp in 2003 at the age of 17. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004. In February 2005, his convoy was hit by a makeshift bomb in Anbar province.
Sgt. Merlin received a Purple Heart. He had planned to establish a foundation to help child burn victims, however, he passed away during surgery on April 11, 2008. You can learn more about him at www.merlinsmiracles.com.
A Stranger Donates a Kidney to an Atlanta Girl
Sarah Dickman, an 8-year old suburban Atlanta girl was born with the genetic disease called juvenile nephronophthisis which slowly destroys the kidneys. Without treatment, it can kill a child before the age of 15. Laura Bolan, 34 saw a picture of Sarah Dickman on a pamphlet describing that the 8-year-old needed a kidney transplant, and Bolan knew she could help. She did a quick Web search on the surgery and talked it over with her husband. Then she made a phone call to offer one of her kidneys to Sarah Dickman. She had never met Sarah when she agreed to donate the organ. She knew she had the same blood type as the little girl, so she called the number on the flier that evening. They both underwent successful surgeries
Virginia Tech Massacre
Romanian-born Liviu Librescu, a dual US and Israeli citizen, moved two decades ago to the United States where he taught in the Engineering Science and Mechanics Department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He was a Holocaust survivor who gave his life to protect his students. Students described how the 76-year old Librescu used his body to barricade the door against the shooter so they could escape by jumping out the classroom's second-floor window. Some broke legs in the fall, but they survived. Mr. Librescu was shot to death during the rampage.
Hope's Story
Hope Stout was an incredible twelve year old girl, who after being diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer was offered a wish by the Charlotte, NC Make-a-Wish Foundation.
When Hope Stout found out that there were 155 children on the waiting list in front of her, she wished that they could have their wishes granted first. When told the funds to do this were not available, Hope refused to take no for an answer. She lead a fund-raising effort with her friends and neighbors that touched the hearts of millions.
Hope raised more than one million dollars in thirty days allowing all the children to have their wishes granted. Hope died shortly thereafter, knowing her wish came true. A movie has been made to honor her called Hope's Wish.
NYC Subway Hero
A 50-year-old NYC construction worker jumped into the path of a moving subway train to save the life of a stranger: Mr. Wesley Autrey was in a station in upper Manhattan while another gentleman, a student, also waiting on the platform, seemed to collapse during a seizure. Mr. Autrey used a pen to get Mr. Hollopeter's tongue out of his throat, then when he stood up the student staggered and fell between the tracks.
As the train neared, Mr. Autrey pinned Mr. Hollopeter in the trough by lying on top of him, face to face. To the horror of bystanders and Mr. Autrey's daughters, the subway screeched to a halt only after two subway cars passed overhead. Mr. Autrey's quick thinking and incredible heroism saved the students life at the risk of his own.
