Since Red Cross has already told volunteers to go home, since they have too many, I’ve been one of those turned away. Thanks to Yon Loon, we gathered all the singers of NYU and Alumni, and amassed a group of about 18 people to go around NYC, giving out water and food to police officers and singing for all volunteers to boost morale.

Our crusade started at Union Square, where undoubtedly the largest gathering of mourners were gathered. We had a repitoire of Amazing Grace, O Beautiful, My Coutry Tis of Thee, and the National Anthem that we coordinated harmonized parts in only 20 minutes of preparation. We then worked our way down to St. Vincents Hospital, then the West Side Highway, across Canal Street, up 6th avenue, then ended at Washington Square Park.

We definitely improved morale, and even though we thanked the rescue workers, they thanked us back for our singing. One of the Alums Joe Fiorello, who’s also a good buddy of mine, brought a 4 foot flag on a staff. He and I alternating being the flag boy as we marched across the city singing. This obviously got the attention of the press, as well as some lady filming a documentary who followed us for over 20 blocks. A lot of network stations video taped us, interviewed us, and we even had some street supporters follow us through the city.

Overall it was quite an uplifiting experience, and finally only then we felt we brought closure to ourselves for doing something back for the community to help those who were affected. Below is the picture we took of our remaining group at Washington Square Park before we disbanded our unit. Our best wishes and condolences go out to all the friends and family of the victims of this barbaric atrocity.

While we were going around singing we saw some things that were quite disturbing. I managed to snap this photo of one of the crushed cars that was pulled from the debris:

I forgot to post this picture earlier, but its the picture of the sign before the checkpoint before the George Washington Bridge the hour that it was open. (Yes, I’m insanely crazy. I was one of those who were first allowed back into the city).

Update - Other posts you might be interested in on 9/11/2001:
Emails from 9/11
NYC Update 9/13 11:30AM
9/11: I’m ok, how’s everyone else?