But in 2006, Judson was contacted by the medical examiner’s office to come pick up his son’s belongings.
“Among Gary’s possessions were his wallet, identification and a small plastic bag with some coins and bills,” The Huffington Post reports. “There was also a slip of paper withGary’s phone number on it.”
Judson called the number immediately. A man answered who turned out to be Gary’s co-worker at the firehouse. He said that Gary had been killed in the towers after leading people out of danger.
A few weeks later, a worker at the Tribute Center notified Gary’s father that a photo of his son had been found. It was an image from inside the North Tower lobby, just after Gary and his fellow firefighters had entered.
Gary is pictured in full gear, running up the stairs with other members of Ladder 6.
Gary was the only firefighter from his department, Engine Co. 212 in Brooklyn, to perish on 9/11.
Troelson told Box that he had no idea his snapshot of Gary would become so famous.
“I remember thinking, ‘This is really weird. What the hell is happening?’ I didn’t understand what was going on because it’s not like anything you see in Denmark or Europe,” Troelson said. “We were all sobered by the experience,” Troelson said.
It has been more than 10 years since that day in Manhattan, but Troelson and Box remain friends. It was a moving moment when the two men who had helped save each other’s lives met up again.
I agree with Box that the museum is important for reminding people of the country’s history. Too often, people forget what has happened in our past and how it has shaped our present. The museum provides a space for reflection and learning, which is essential for creating an informed and engaged citizenry.
