What does May 30th mean to you?
To me, May 30 meant we could put the disaster behind us. DSNY marched behind the last piece of steel, and I was able to sign the last column before it was removed from the site. I signed CASA LUV, which stands for "Cindy Annerino" [his wife] and "Sal Annerino."
Do you have any 9/11-related health issues?
I am registered with the World Trade Health Program for 12 different illnesses. My wife is registered with one, ovarian cancer, from her time handing out water at St. Paul’s Church to workers.
To the generation who is growing up with no memory of September 11th, why is it important to share your story and the stories of others with them?
People need to never forget. This world is crazy. There are people that don’t care about the lives of other people. Everybody needs to remember what can happen, and what did happen, in New York City on 9/11.
All those we lost need to be remembered. All those that are sick need to continue to get care. We need the continued support of the government. We have people who take medicines that cost $30,000 a month. We need access to treatment and doctors.
Anything else you'd like to add?
There was a school, PS 226, who invited us to have lunch. They presented us with an award and sung the song “Heroes” to us. After that, we stuck our heads into one of the classrooms. It just happened that the teacher’s husband was also a Sanitation worker. The students were so excited to have us there that they all rushed to give us hugs. When those kids just hugged us, it was such a relief to us. There are some good, sweet memories that I have. There are bad memories that I won’t talk about, but there are good memories I have as well.
Compiled by Caitlyn Best, Government and Community Affairs Coordinator