Giving Tuesday?

Just got back from a long days work at one of the 4 part time jobs that actually supports my family and I feel as if I have missed yet another opportunity to reach out to folks in hopes to get continued support for the 9/11 Patch Project.

11 years is a long time to run a project that asks folks to remember the heroes of 9/11 and needs donations to keep afloat- especially when there are other equally worthy funds to send money to. Obviously the one that comes to mind is those in need--those who continue to suffer and feel the effects of the Super Storm Sandy on the East Coast.

Still, as the largest firefighter owner 9/11 project in the world, I feel it is my duty to continue beating this drum and breathe life into this worthy project for as long as I possibly can. After all, there are over 10,000 organizations now, worldwide, that have stepped up the past 11 years to purchase the fund raising 9/11 patches and other items. And yes, there is an occasional donation that hits the website--I consider those donations to this non profit effort a rare but greatly appreciated gift. Usually those who step up, do so at the tune of $9.11 to get their name added to the 9/11 WALL of Supporters. I have not counted the names lately, but I believe the count to be over 200 since the WALL began over a year ago. They are names from people, public safety organizations and even companies from all over the world. The 9/11 WALL was created for those who wanted to step up and be counted among the supporters of this project that was originally the response of this firefighter to the loss of 343 brother firefighters.

Belgian Firefighter "Bob"

The project grew over the years to include the sacrifice made by Police Officers, EMS personnel and our U.S. Soldiers. It wasn't the marketing efforts that brought these other heroes into the project--it was deployed U.S. troops and other public safety heroes stepping up to participate in the project on their own. It was firefighters in other countries stepping up to say, there are no borders or politics involved here--there is only a brotherhood of heroes that span the globe and want to remember and honor the fallen heroes of 9/11.

This has fueled my efforts over the years and given me the motivation to grow the project. This picture of a Belgian Firefighter tells a story in itself. It proves that 9/11 truly affected the lives of millions around the globe. They want to step up and be counted, and thousands have over the years.

So on this "Giving Tuesday," I can only hope that the spirit of giving will motivate more folks to continue and step up to be counted. I can only hope that others who come to the Never Forget 9/11 facebook page take the time to learn more about this effort and consider at least a $9.11 donation and get their name added to the 9/11 WALL

Thanks to all who have read this far and thanks to the hundreds if not thousands of you out there that have stepped up to show your support--it means a great deal to me and the other 10 folks I work with that volunteer there time and efforts for this project.

Brett Hill- Founder/ Former Firefighter-Paramedic
9/11 Patch Project