This morning Denis was asked to be on CNN with Anderson Cooper and Candy Crowley as part of their coverage of the 9/11 memorial service. I got to tag along.
All the streets and many sidewalks were blocked and we couldn’t figure out how to get into Two World Financial Center, where the CNN interview was supposed to take place, so we stood on the corner talking with some other confused people when a very handsome man with silver hair walked up and introduced himself. It was Anderson Cooper. He didn’t know where we were supposed to enter the building either, but soon there was a producer at our side and we were whisked into the building and through the metal detectors and then up to the roof we went.
Denis
On the air
Did we feel safe? Yes. Yes we did.
It was nice to know that these guys were on the ground:
Mobile Command Center
Donated by the Leary Firefighters Foundation
So glad you posted these photos. Missed Denis’s interview. Hope we’ll discuss it tomorrow on Hash Hags even though it’s not funny. xo
Well said, Mrs. Leary.It’s nice to know that “these guys” are always—and still—on the ground, no matter what.
i got the chills when i saw that the mobile command center was donated by the leary firefighters foundation. it must be an incredible feeling, knowing that you guys have done something so tangible to help save lives in new york. awesome.
Lisa, you said it beautifully. Indeed, how wonderful to be continuing to help our brave men and women in this way.
NEAT! Ann, how amazing that you and Denis got to be there and do this! Wow. And thank you so much for giving us a peek at what it was like behind the scenes. Yeah, I’d feel safe too, with those guys around.
And you got to meet AC! (I have a crush on him. Even though, well, you know …) xoxo
Ann, thank you for sharing today’s events with us. I came across these words this morning…..
Now we are engaged in a great civil war. . .testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated. . . can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war.
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate. . .we cannot consecrate. . . we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.
It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us. . .that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain. . . that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. . . and that government of the people. . .by the people. . .for the people. . . shall not perish from the earth. ”
These are the words from the Gettsburg Address. somehow they still hold true.
Mary L.: Like!
Mary, What a tragedy that those words are timeless.
Ann, thank you for sharing your view. It is certainly sobering and humbling.
Mary, thank you so much for sharing that. I think those words are some of the most beautiful and meaningful ever written.
150 years later these words still hold truth in our lives today. Thank you for sharing them Mary.
Mary, thank you for sharing those haunting words.
Denis has done so much and, as the daughter and sister of a firefighter, it is very much appreciated.
Ann- Thanks so much for including us in what is a very special day. What I find so incredible is that Denis’s foundation was started the year before the 911 attacks. If that isn’t divine intervention I don’t know what is. The fact that they could help just a little bit sooner was such a blessing for those effected. I’m sure this is such a bitter sweet day for Denis, as his show was based on this horrific day of events. Many prayers and blessings for Denis, you and all that help with your foundation. xxoo
I also meant to tell you and Denis that my neighbor is the guy who constructed and helped design the NJ water fountain memorial. His name is John Bean. He dedicated at least 3 months being away from his family to do something that he and his family thought was an incredible and important job to do. He is very proud to have been a part of it. He owns a very unique fountain business in Mpls- Flair Fountains. They gave him a piece of the Twin Towers as well. It will be something that his kids will be so proud of for a long time.
Kristin,
That’s interesting to know. John Bean should feel proud.
Thank you for sharing the photos, and thank you for partipating in this day of remembrance.
Denis and Rescue Me have done such a service for the City of Ny and the NYFD. I can’t think of a better way to have done it.
Kudos to your amazing Husband and his gorgeous wife of course
deb
Thank you, Ann.
Thank you for sharing, it was a tough day revisiting the tragic events from ten years ago. As a FF down near Philly I’d like to thank you and Denis for all you do for firefighters. It is very appreciatted and well thought of by our community. Be well.
What a humanitarian Denis is. Good for his organization. I love to hear it when the money actually benefits something so important. Rally on Denis.
Ann Thank You So Much For The Info…It is nice to see That Denis And You Take so much pride in doing this,Ten years ago no one was ready for what they did to the usa but as always the usa fights back strong!As a former Chief from pa i was like what can i do to help!!!!!!!! I like to thank Denis and you Again for all you do …Be safe
Thank you for sharing these pictures with us Ann. It meant so much to see my hometown. How beautiful to see tangible, practical help that The foundation has provided to the brave firefighters and residents of NYC.
Thank You for posting the pictures,it gives a real insight,cannot wait to return to NY in November.
Thank you so much for the pics. And thanks to Dennis’ foundation for the donation. I live in TX, but have the utmost respect for who were there on that tragic day. GOD Bless us All.
Thanks for the posts and the photos . And thank your
husband
Great article and it’s great to see you and Denis helping oout the FDNY.
Now I lay me down to sleep…one less terrorist this world does keep…with all my heart I give my thanks…to those in uniform regardless of ranks…you serve our country and serve it well…with humble hearts your stories tell…so as I rest my weary eyes…while freedom rings our flag still flies…you give your all, do what you must…with God we live and God we trust. In tribute to all the souls lost on 9/11 and their families, and to our heros- known and unknown.
Ann – thank you for the pictures. And thank you to Denis for his foundation and for his excellent show, Rescue Me. You both are true Americans! God Bless!
What a tremendous tribute Rescue Me has been over the years, you must be very proud of your HusBand! Your photo’s are outstanding from today and wasn’t Denis So handsome?? Thanks for all you both do!
I have no family or friends that are first responders, nor know anyone that lost a loved one on 9/11. Until I started watching Rescue Me, I had no idea the plight of the FDNY (and others) that responded on that day. The most disturbing idea is how backs were being turned on those that are now sick. Thank you for bring this to my attention, and all others. I have become more involved with my local fire department by donating items for the fire fighters, and all those they help. Thank you for sharing your husband these last few years. Rescue Me is the only show that I have EVER watched the whole run. Thank you for the laughs and sobs.
Just curious if there is a link to watch the interview, I missed it!
Oh my – definitely had some security there….and wow, that’s great that the Foundation is doing so well! Thank you for sharing the pictures! Still hard to believe it has been 10 years already – some memories just stay more vivid than others.
I am an Upper East Sider by blood. I know my mother and Grandmother are both looking down and thanking everyone for all that they do. ( And my mom is probably checking out the Coop and wiping up her drool.)
Dear Ann, I was wondering if you could explain something. I was watchting Denis’ interview on CNN from the Netherlands. I saw the short introduction about the how and why of his firefighters foundation. After the commercial break Denis told how he felt about the water memorial on Ground Zero. It was all very moving, inspiring. And the next thing you know the interview was finished. Just to be sure…did I miss anything? I had expected that CNN would zoom in a little bit on the tragedy of the 343 and how firefighters managed to continue after 9/11 with of course a lot of help from the LFF. (if you like I have a video on my iPhone of the interview)
Thank you both so very much.
Thank you so much for sharing……..both the pictures and the interview were terrific. Such a touching, bittersweet, poignant day, with a jumble of emotions and memories. I already have my tickets to visit the memorial. I think it looks beautiful and peaceful.
Thank you for providing so much incredible insight that we cannot get from any other source today! You and Denis are amazing!!!
Wow! Seeing the photo of the LFF Mobile Command Center made my fan-girl heart swell with pride … Thank you Ann and Denis!
Thank you for the photos it really give a feel of how it is there.
Ann & Denis That’s Awesome! How lucky you both are ~ Thank you for sharing this wondergul event!
Ann, thank you for sharing this.
I saw the interview this morning. Your husband was very eloquent in expressing his feelings. Thanks for showing us the behind the scene pics.
I know this is so unimportant on a day like today and so superficial but…..is Anderson Cooper as handsome in person as he is on TV? I know….totally inappropriate.
My guess is yes and then some
Amanda, I saw AC this year giving a speech and he is totally all that and then some. + great sense of humor!
Ann, thank you for sharing….wish I could find the interview with Denis online. You both have a wicked good life indeed.
You guys do alot of good.
I think it sets a great example for many.
Thank you.
Great photos. Thanks for sharing as I too missed CNN this a.m. I’m from Texas and I’d love to purchase one of the FDNY hats being worn by the players and coaches at the Jets/Cowboys game. Would you possibly have a link or know where I could get one? Thanks so much.
P.S. Please don’t let Denis get too comfy around the house now that Rescue Me has ended. His fans would love to see him doing another great show.
Ann, thanks so much for sharing your pictures from today. Seeing the LFF logo gave me goose bumps. Your kids must be so proud of both of you. What fantastic examples you set for them about being first rate human beings.
Many emotions tonight watching the 9/11 programming on TV. 10 years?…Seems like yesterday. How odd that I don’t even remember what I had for dinner 2 nights ago…but I have total recall of this day back in 2001.
Had to work today so I did not even get the chance to see Denis on CNN this morning. The memorial site looks so serene & beautiful….
The photo of the Mobile Command Center warms my heart!Denis, thanks for all that the LFF has done in the name of firefighters everywhere…and thank you Ann for sharing the moments of the day with us!
Fascinating photos! Thanks for sharing. What different scene from 10 years ago. I’m relieved that the day is over and our first responders weren’t given another reason to mourn today.
To echo all those who’ve posted before me, Thanks for sharing the experience with us, and the photos. I wish I’d seen the interview.
That mobile command center via LFF makes me proud, too, and is one of the chief reasons I ride for LFF in the NYC Marathon – so that the firefighters will have what they need to perform their jobs to their utmost abilities.
It’s almost light out: I’ve got the tights & helmet on, the chain’s lubed & the gatorade bottles are filled. I’m about to put in a 20 mile training ride. On the morning after the 9/11 anniversary, the reason I ride feels clearer than ever. I’m so grateful to Leary Firefighters Foundation for giving me this way to make a small difference, this chance to say Thanks to firefighters for all they do.
Wow, Denise.
Denise, you have a brave, beautiful soul. I so appreciate you and what you do.
Denis in a suit and tie?? I AM sorry I missed that. Honest to Pete, I do get tired of that leather jacket sometimes.
What a tough, tough anniversary. I’m a Rescue Me fan from day 1. The 10th anniversary validated ALL of those subplots thru-out RM. I was at St. Paul’s, Sat. for a service for the rescue & relief volunteers. Made my yearly pilgrimages to my firehouses. Lots of pain back on the surface this year. Set my clock to get up on the anniversary and watch CNN. I was happy that Denis was part of the CNN coverage. It is appropriate and right. Thank you, Denis, for keeping 9-11 and the 343 killed top-of-mind through this decade (when so many wanted to just let it slip away.) Many thanks for 7 great years of tears and laughter. “My city of ruins. Rise Up!”
Love, Tess
Does anyone have a link to the interview Denis gave?
Great photos…
I love the ones with Denis on them.