FDNY fire chief to share his story

On Thursday the United States will remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001. It's been 13 years since that tragic day that left thousands dead and a nation in mourning.

We will reflect more on 9/11 in this space on Thursday. Today we welcome New York Fire Department chief Richard Picciotto to Cape Girardeau to kick off the Southeast Missouri State University Speaker Series. Picciotto will deliver his address at 11:30 a.m. in Academic Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Picciotto was the highest ranking firefighter to survive the World Trade Center attack. His talk is appropriately called "Last Man Down." In addition to speaking, he wrote a book titled, "Last Man Down: A Firefighter's Story of Survival and Escape from the World Trade Center."

This should be an inspiring presentation, and to have the fire chief here on Patriot Day is appropriate and memorable. We hope you consider attending this talk.

The university will hold other events on Thursday to remember those killed on 9/11. We encourage you also to remember the day by flying a flag and praying for the families who lost loved ones in the attacks. We also pray for our service men and women currently serving and for families of those who died while protecting the United States.