I have been honored to be a part of the 2,996 project. This project is for those of us with websites, and those even without – to volunteer to create a remembrance for each of the victims of 9/11. The purpose is only to share the information we have of the person(s) that has been chosen for us, and to keep the thought of them going.

I received the name – John M. Paolillo. I wrote it down and left it on my desk for a bit. I was fully ready to do this – but it did take a bit to go through the research to find out who my person was and I wanted to be sure I gave him the remembrance that he deserved.

He is – a hero, nothing short of that in my opinion.

One site in particular, one that participated in the 2,996 project in 2006 I believe – had his photo.  I can tell you, he has a smile that is infectious.  Just take a moment to look at it and know that this man has been referred to as a loving father, loving uncle, loving son and friend to many.

I got to know a lot about his life.  How he was with his neighbors and his family according to a neighbor’s blog.  I learned about him being an athlete – loving to bicycle and swim.

The best part of the remembering a man I had never met – was reading what his neighbor wrote about him.  Her fond memories of him that I simply won’t copy here on my blog without her permission.

Here’s what I can tell and what I will always remember about the man who’s name I got handed – 8 years later, I humbly read about him being a Battalion Chief with the NY Fire Dept – and a quote from him, through the words of the blog from 2006 that was part of John’s discussion with a friend who thought he hadn’t done very well at a running event:

Did you give it your all?

I’d say this hero did.  I would like to please direct you to the blog that gave me the most information from someone that was his neighbor and knows his family.  If she for ANY reason wants me to change what I’ve said, I will very quickly.

The remembrance I have of John M. Paolillo is that not only was he loving – but he obviously was profoundly loved.  To me – he is one of the heroes from that day.

John M. Paolillo – Love and Light, you are thought of today by many and even those who never got to know you until now.

Blog I’ve Referenced – Please, give this just one moment to really get more info about John – please, just one more moment….

2006 Remembrance of John M. Paolillo – so beautifully written and it deserves to be read again.

Please, on this day – please remember those we lost and that each of them – every one of the 2,996 victims was someone with a story and a life and dreams and hopes.  I will never forget and you can believe as long as the 2,996 project is going next year I will volunteer.

I am humbled – thank you John Paolillo.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

4 Responses to “2,996 Project – John M. Paolillo”