From the time the listing for Thank Your Local Heroes went up on www.barackobama.com on the morning of September 9th, through to the morning of September 11th, over 200 people signed up to participate in 12 California cities and 9 other cities across the country. Many volunteers sent in really touching accounts of their visits, including some great photos, which are posted below. Thanks to all the folks who sent these engaging and moving reports, and thanks to everyone who participated in the first Thank Your Local Heroes event.
_______________________________________________________________________________
VOLUNTEER STORIES
Santa Barbara, CA
Thank you for organizing the "Thank Your Local Heroes on 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.” Our family visited Santa Barbara City Fire Station 6 at 1806 Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara, CA. As we drove up to the station at 7:00pm, we noticed that our US flag was flying at half-staff in honor of Patriots Day and the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. We were warmly greeted by Engineer Sarah McCarter and Firefighter Tony LaMarca. Our visit was coordinated by Fire Chief Stan Thompson. TJ, our six year old son, presented the Firefighters with a drawing of a firefighter putting out a fire, home-made brownies and other treats. He warmly thanked the firefighters for saving homes. Honoring and thanking our local heroes is very important to our family. Santa Barbara and Ventura counties have been ravaged by wild fires. We have smelled the smoke in the air, seen the fireballs on the mountainsides and been evacuated during the Jesusita fire. Many of our friends were displaced during the fires and a few, unfortunately, have lost their homes. During each crisis, the firefighters and police officers in our community and from the surrounding communities have been incredible. They have protected our property and made us safe. They have shown kindness and compassion. We cannot thank them enough. Our family was honored to visit with the Firefighters. They showed us their station and the fire equipment. They explained how the equipment is used to fight house and brush fires. At sunset, TJ helped to take the flag down. What a privilege! It was a remarkable experience for all of us. We plan on visiting with the Firefighters again, not just on Patriots Day but through the year. The Firefighters and their families sacrifice so much to keep us safe. They are not only our local heroes but role models as well. We'd like to thank you for organizing this effort.
Vickie, Tim and TJ (6 years old), Santa Barbara, CA (Photos below)
TJ helping lower the flag from half-staff at sunset.
TJ helping Santa Barbara, CA firefighter Tony LaMarca fold the American flag.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Santa Monica, CA
It was an awesome moment. At 7 a.m., firefighters from Santa Monica’s Station No. 3 pulled out their polished red trucks in front of the station house. Then, standing at attention in their blue uniforms on the sidewalk at the corner of Arizona and 19th Streets, they silently saluted the American flag, lowered to half mast in remembrance of the fallen of 9/11. It was a painfully beautiful scene – a bright sunny morning reminiscent of the fateful one eight years ago in New York. But here, there were palm trees swaying slightly in the breeze and a couple of runners jogging by. I had just dropped off a lasagna, one of my husband’s famous specialties, and the station captain invited me to stay for this moment of silence. When it was over, he asked if anyone wanted to say anything. I thanked these men for their service to our community and told them how much my family and everyone else appreciates what they do for us. These are guys who can’t afford to live where they work but still drive long distances to protect our beachside town. They sacrifice and lose sleep and work hard on our behalf. Not to mention risk their lives every day. Their job, it turns out, is a four-letter word: G-I-V-E. It was a privilege for me to stand with them, remembering the heroes of 9/11. And it felt wonderful to have the opportunity to say thanks.
“You guys rock,” I told them. “Thank you for all that you do.” “Thanks for dinner,” the captain said.
It was a simple gesture, but an achingly perfect moment, too -- one that I hope to repeat every September. President Obama spoke about leaving “a legacy that shines brightly in the darkness.” And that's what saying thank you felt like to me.
Thanks so much to 30BARACK for organizing and giving us the chance to appreciate our local heroes!
Joy - Team Obama, Santa Monica, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
Chicago, IL
Park Forest's Finest and Bravest, this one's for you. My brother and I are going to bring some cookies tomorrow to Park Forest's fire and police. We'll go after we finish praying the rosary for peace. Our church is having a commemoration this evening. This prayer on 9-11 has become a tradition in our parish.
Karen, Chicago, IL
_______________________________________________________________________________
San Diego, CA
My girlfriend Lily and I showed up at around 5:15, and informed the firefighters at our local station (Station 21 in Pacific Beach-San Diego) that since today was declared national service day by the president, we were there to cook tacos for them. They invited us into their station and we prepared tacos and fed all 10 of the firefighters and ambulance/paramedics...they were very very grateful and very cool about the whole thing...they even let us slide down the pole!!!!
Here is an action photo of the firefighters chowing down on some carne asada tacos and some preparing their tacos…I’m the one in the i love ny shirt...A great time was had by all, and I too think I may have gotten more out of the opportunity to thank these guys than they got out of it....Keep up the good work!!!!!
National day of service rocks!!
Mike, Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
Mike (in I Love NY shirt) hauled the big grill to the fire station in his truck and along with his girldfriend Lily cooked dinner for the firefighters of Station 21, Pacific Beach, San Diego.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Beverly Hills, CA
This morning I delivered a 2 pound box of candy with note to both the Beverly Hills Fire Department and Beverly Hills Police Department located on Rexford Ave. It is a good thing I was wearing sunglasses as I got choked up when presenting the candy to the officers. They were appreciative and a bit taken aback.
Susan, Beverly Hills, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
Los Angeles, CA
We are in the middle of a kitchen re-model, so no homebaked cookies... but I did head down to Western Bagel for a couple of dozen assorted & cream cheese and brought them to my local fire station. No photos. Just a warm feeling (and a few sobs because that's how I get today).
Thanks for organizing this.
Donna, Los Angeles, CA
(Donna also blogged about this here: http://www.socalmom.net/travelblog/2009/09/day-of-remembrance-day-of-ser...)
_______________________________________________________________________________
This was really a nice idea and the firemen in my street were very pleased and sweet. Here is a photo for your collection.
Evelyne, Los Angeles, CA
Evelyne with the firefighters of LAFD Fire Station 61 on 3rd St. near La Brea
_______________________________________________________________________________
Independence, OH
I will be able to drop off cookies and Lasagna at the Independence Fire station in Independence Ohio. Thanks.
Bernadette, Independence, OH
_______________________________________________________________________________
Los Angeles, CA
This morning I delivered to my local fire station a cake with "thank you for your service" written on it. The guys were taken aback but totally thrilled. It felt wonderful to do that and see their reaction! Great idea! Thanks,
Helen, Los Angeles, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
Los Angeles, CA
Sue T. and family along with Lee L. and family delivered a large potted flowering plant (being mindful of LA's water conservation...needing only once a week watering) and a big basket of over 60 cookies to their Lead Officer Ralph Sanchez at the LAPD Hollywood Precinct on Wilcox in Los Angeles. Ralph has worked tirelessly to help, protect and educate our neighbors about safety and has supported his officers in their efforts always going the extra mile for them to succeed. A big card was enclosed with an encouragement to share these goodies with his officers, and a note for all to read that we, as volunteers with 30BARACK, were answering our President, Barack Obama's request for a Day of Remembrance and Call to Service on 9/11 The officers seemed humbled. But each young man and woman in blue thanked us as we walked out the doors and were pretty determined to have their Lead Officer 'make good' on sharing the goodies.
Next we stopped by our neighborhood fire department Station # 97 on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles. The officers, all familiar with our neighborhood, having come to birthday parties during the past decade complete with fire trucks for the kids to climb on, were happy for this visit. Two large flowering potted plants were given to them. The garden in front of the station seemed like a good place to plant the flowers once the September heat wave and fire season subsides. The guys plan on keeping the flowers in the 'living quarters' in the mean time. We talked about the recent fires in the Southland and all the extraordinary efforts that the many departments have given once again in LA. We asked them to post the note for the next shift to see that as 30BARACK volunteers, we are answering President Obama's call to remember and acknowledge 9/11…and that we are so grateful to have 'our guys' perched right behind our homes looking out for our hillside neighborhood.
Lee and Sue, Los Angeles, CA
Lee expressing thanks with a beautiful plant to the firefighters of LAFD Fire Station 97.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Sacramento, CA
I visited the Elk Grove fire and police departments this morning, wearing my Obama HOPE t-shirt and thanking them for their service to our community. I also gave them small American flags, and the fireman went out and planted the flag in front of the station on Elk Grove Blvd! The policeman stated he would tell the others that I dropped by and waved the flag at me (albeit through the window). No photos -- but: great idea to do on 9/11 (something I've done in the past) AND as supporters of the President! Thanks!
Laura, Sacramento, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
San Francisco, CA I am going to bring a Thank you CARD and a plate of ziti to the 17th and Valencia Street Mission Police Station in San Francisco. Thank you for organizing this. Donna, San Francisco, CA _______________________________________________________________________________
Playa Vista, CA
Today we visited the local Playa Vista Fire House. We were greeted by two captains and introduced to several other firefighters. We brought two large pies (apple and pecan) and they were so appreciative, especially as we thanked them for their service. They offered us a tour and took us through their beautiful and spotless workplace. We told them we were from New York and we were wearing items we got from Ground Zero, and of course our FDNY pins. We had a wonderful and satisfying visit and will repeat this when we can! Here are some pictures. The captains allowed us to take their picture even though they weren't in full regalia.
Arthur and Roberta, Playa Vista, CA
LAFD Fire Station 67 in Playa Vista, CA, with the flag at half-staff.
Roberta presented the captains of Fire Station 67 with thank you pies.
Arthur and Roberta with the engine in Fire Station 67
_______________________________________________________________________________
Palmdale, CA
Battalion #17, Fire Station #37, 38318 E. 9th Street East, Palmdale, CA 93550. The NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Education Office and members of the AERO Institute will participate (group of 10).
Cecilia, Palmdale, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
Culver City, CA
Just went to my local FD in Culver City and dropped off cookies. The Firefighters were so appreciative. Had to knock on the door and ring the bell. Didn't bring a camera. But what a great feeling. Thank you.
Bill, Culver City, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
Stockton, CA
My name is Joyce and I am an OFA Community Leader in CD 11! I am with the Group "Obamas-11" here in the Central Valley.
My grandchildren and I visited our Stockton Fire Department Station No. 7 at 3:30 p.m. after school. I really wanted to get the children involved in showing their appreciation for our Police and Firefighters, and to make them aware of just what they do and how hard they work for our community. My son is a Firefighter in Detroit, Michigan and my heart stays in my mouth for ALL firefighters and Policemen because of the many dangers to which these men and women are exposed. I also wanted the children to see what their Uncle did on a daily basis.
So, attached are just a few of the pictures from our event. The firefighters at Stockton, CA Fire Station No. 7 were very happy to host a tour for the kids, allowing them inside the Engine and explaining all the many details in the daily lives of firefighters. They were thrilled (especially my 4-year old grandson, who said, "this is soooooo cooooool.")
Thanks for allowing me to share my story!
Joyce – Obamas-11, Stockton, CA
Joyce's grandkids brought ice cream sandwiches to thank the Stockton firefighters.
Joyce with the Stockton firefighters she came to thank on 9/11.
Joyce and her grandkids got an exciting tour of the Stockton Fire Station No. 7.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Army Vet. I will bring lots of cookies
Sean, Los Angeles, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
I love the idea of the thank you to our service men, firefighters and policemen. Thank you.
Marilyn, Los Angeles, CA
P.S. Seniors at our local residence home are now writing thank yous to our L.A. firefighters.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Friday 9/11 in the late afternoon, the four of us delivered a big gift basket of cheese, fruit, crackers, olives, and sparkling apple cider to L.A. City Fire Station #69 on Sunset Blvd. at Carey St., in the business district of Pacific Palisades. The firemen were very appreciative.
David & Cristine, Jon & Barbara, Pacific Palisades, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
I work in an office on Eastgate Mall; a group of us are going to deliver gifts/thank you notes to Station # 35 tomorrow. They are located at 4285 Eastgate Mall, SD 92121. I'm not sure exactly how many of us, but I estimate 5 to 8 at least.
Anonymous volunteer, San Diego, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
Thank you - this is a great idea. When I lived in NYC, my apartment was saved from fire and my roommate and I baked the firefighters a cake. The chief accepted with tears in his eyes saying that no one had ever done that before
Yvonne, San Diego, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
I agree to donate a 12 pack to the men and women of the San Francisco Mission Police Department (To drink off duty of course). They earned it, and have done a good job cleaning this neighborhood up. I'm a recent law school graduate, so that's all I can afford.
Joel, San Francisco, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
Will drop off baked good to my local fire and police depts in my neighborhood
Coni, San Francisco, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
I've a conference call from 8-9:30 but will try to multi task via cell to thank our local heroes in the morning. If it doesn't work, the evening visit will. Great idea! I did this after 9/11/01 to honor the NYFD.
Laura, Sacramento, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
Will stop by Station 7 on 800 Emory Street with cupcakes/snacks and my 3 yr old daughter would like to draw a picture for the Firemen.
Jonathan, San Jose, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
I will send this event out to my group, San Joaquin Grassroots Action here in the Stockton Area. Thanks for your idea.
Kari, Stockton, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
I will bring a plate of cookies and a thank you note to my nearest fire station and police station on Friday morning.
Cathy, Redding, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
I would like to bring a small token of appreciation to the Metro-Dade Fire Department at 41st Street, Doral.
Anonymous volunteer, Miami, FL
_______________________________________________________________________________
Our local heroes are taken for granted everyday. I'm glad that we have this opportunity to thank them and at the same time remember all those who we so needlessly lost on September 11. I'm a senior & plan to visit the Fire Station on Colorado Blvd., #42
Myrta, Los Angeles, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
I can make it to the 780 N. San Vicente Bl., West Hollywood, CA 90069 with some brownies.
Prudence, Los Angeles, CA
_______________________________________________________________________________
I will bring my class to the local fire station and perform as well as give them thank you cards. We can arrive at 10am.
Stephanie, 4th Grade Teacher, San Francisco, CA
Comments