Every photo tells its own story but this one went way beyond words………
The photo was taken by Reuters photographer Shannon Stapleton. The photo is of Fr.Mychal Judge, the first confirmed death of 9-11 and published in newspapers across the world in the days that followed.
In speaking about this moment Shannon said: “When I got close to Ground Zero and saw the panicked crowds and burning towers firsthand, everything changed. After the first tower came down, I emerged from a vestibule where i’d taken shelter and made my way to the site. I looked to my right, and I noticed this weird scene, that these guys were carrying a man – it almost looked like a wheelchair with no wheels. I knew he was dead.”
The importance of his photograph, documenting the first confirmed death of 9 11 and published in countless newspapers and magazines around the world, didn’t hit him until a few days later, while he was shooting on Manhattan’s famed 59th Street Bridge. “It finally caught up to me. I really broke down. I’m not a crier, but it was an emotional day. When I made it back to the Reuters office, there was a letter from Father Judge’s twin sister and his niece, thanking me for taking the picture. In a bizarre way, I think I was meant to be there and take that photo. You can tell these guys are trying to give this man, who’s obviously dead, some dignity. They were trying to put him somewhere safe, so debris wouldn’t fall on him. They all knew who he was.”
Thought on Sunday – September – 11/09/2011
The following is a prayer for unity that followed in the days after 9 11 by Reverend Wintley Phipps
We pray today that from the ashes will rise a new spirit of beauty and unity. Already, all across this nation our hearts have been knit together into a new tapestry of one America. Because of this tragedy, we have been bound together by a silver chord of hope and brotherhood and sisterhood. What was meant to drive us apart has really drawn us together. May we always remember. And so today we ask, God, that you would wipe the tears of all in need of comfort. That you would warm the heart of one who would grow cold from bitterness. That you would lift the head of that one who is bowed down in sadness. That you would touch the discouraged and remind them that love will always conquer hate.
We thank you, God, for making us such a resilient people. We know that we are. And we pray now for the strength to rise again, to build again, and to live free from fear. We pray that you will help us rebuild our broken lives and mend our broken hearts. We pray that you will give us the courage to face evil and the faith to believe that good will never be defeated. Hold us close to your heart. And through our tears, and through our sorrow, may we all see a new vision of a new tomorrow.
