Thursday, September 11, 2008

William Wren - In Remembrance

Several years ago I became a part of something called Project 2996. Each person who agreed to participate was given the name of someone who perished on September 11. Since that time I remember William Wren and his family on this day.



In remembrance -

William Wren - age 61
Resident Manger - OCS Security
Confirmed Dead - World Trade Center

William Wren, a retired New York City firefighter, worked for OCS Securiy as fire security officers in the World Trade Centers.

Raised in Gerritsen Beach in Brooklyn, Wren graduated from James Madison High School, served three years in the U.S. Army and joined the New York City Fire Department. People remember him as a quiet, reserved man who never spoke of his firefighting adventures.

The New York Port Authority contracted with OCS as part of the additional safety precautions that were put into place after the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Five employees of OCS died on September 11, including Wren's neighbor of over thirty years, Richard Fitzsimons.

Both men were at work on that morning and Wren called his wife Pat shortly after 9 a.m. to say he was OK. But sirens were wailing in the background. Ten minutes later he called back to say that Richard was also OK and that Pat should call his wife and let her know.

That was a last time either family heard from the men. It is known that they continued to perform their duties, along with the other OTC employees who were lost - Philip Hayes, Larry Boisseau and Robert Mayo. They evacuated the day care center first, and with their intimate knowledge of the building continued to evacuate and bring others to safety.

These are just the barest facts of his life and his actions on that day. To tell his whole story, the story of his life and his death, would take an entire book. There are those who can remember him as the man who saved their lives. How would you ever repay a debt of that magnitude? You could remember.... and vow to live your life with the caliber of character exhibited by this man.

This post is part of Project 2996 and I encourage you to take some time out of your day and read about some of the others who were lost that day.

Just people..... just doing their jobs....thrust into extreme circumstances. Everyday heroes.

I want William Wren's wife Pat and their children to know that they are in my thoughts and prayers and that we will never forget their loved one or their loss.

A story published September 15, 2001 - The families waited.

23 comments:

Unknown said...

I 'll say a prayer for everyone involved in Sept. 11th.
Very nice of you to share the story... God bless America... Wish I was at home...

Unknown said...

What a wonderful post, Suzanne and a great idea. I have bookmarked the 2996 page and intend signing up for next year. I've already done my 9/11 remembrance post for this year.

Heather said...

What an amazing project to be involved with. What a tribute!

bj said...

My prayers to all who were lost and their families.

i also remembered them all today on my post.

I would love to sign up for this....

Bella Della said...

What an amazing tribute to a real hero. God bless his family and America.

Unknown said...

I am so glad you shared this with us.
It is often to easy to think of all the "victims" as opposed to all the "people" that were lost that day.

My heart goes out to all the family and friends of those who were lost seven years ago today.

Anonymous said...

There is a good book called Women at Ground Zero. It was written by a distant relative of mine and is compiled of interviews with women who were there as rescue workers, firemen or police or their support workers. Very tough to read but excellent.

Thanks for letting us know about Project 2996. I'll be passing on the information.

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful post.

Heidi said...

Thank you William Wren for being a man of such character. Character given to those who are deemed hero's.

Mamahut said...

That is why god put people who can write so beautiful, like you Suzanne. To help us to remember what it is we're supposed to be doing, especially on a day such as this one.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous post! This is truly a day of remembrance.

Found you on Bella's site. Can't wait to explore your blog!

Sabina said...

What a lovely idea and a beautiful post.

Jill said...

An amazing post. Love it and the connection with his family.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful sentiment and a beautiful glimpse of an American hero, a firefighter, who died on 9/11. It brings us to a personal moment in his life as well. God bless his family as well as the many others who lost their lives that day.

Your involvement in this project says so much for your character. Bless you for your involvement.

Hugs...Jeanne

Mary said...

Simply beautiful, Suzanne. Thank you for putting a face to one of so many lost that day...
xoxo,
Mary

Ann Harrison said...

I have never heard of Project 2996. Thank you for such a wonderful post.

amelia bedelia said...

your story was great. thanks for sharing.

Gramma 2 Many said...

As I am surfing and reading blogs today I am so impressed with how everone remembers the day. I am impressed how you have taken the time to remember someone. You have put a face on all of the names we hear.
I have never heard of Project 2996.
I am going to go look at it as soon as I finish here.
Thanks for a wonderful post.

Kendra said...

What a nice idea for a 9-11 remembrance. I'm sure William Wren's family appreciate the thoughts and prayers you have for him.

I had not heard of Project 2996...I'll have to take a look at the website.

Rue said...

So many were lost... I'm glad there is a way for them to be remembered. This day is so hard to think back on and I still cry when I see the pictures and film.

Beautiful post Suzanne.

rue

Vee said...

What a wonderful thing to do...

I was so moved once again by the tributes in NYC. We'll not forget...

Anonymous said...

Many of us have lost loved ones during the 9/11 attacks, and we remember them every single day of the year. Thanks for this reminder.

abb said...

And in my thoughts and prayers....what a lovely tribute you have done.