Saturday, September 11, 2010

Remembering Sept. 11 with Project 2996 - Lt. Glenn C. Perry, FDNY

It's a difficult thing to sit and write a tribute to a stranger and make it real. It becomes even more difficult when the person you are asked to write about is one of the true fallen heroes. I was asked by Project 2996 to remember Lt. Glenn C. Perry today. Lt. Perry was a firefighter with Ladder Co. 25 but he was also so much more than that.

He was a husband to his wife Peggy and a dad to children Glenn Jr., Meaghan and Caitlin. He was a teacher at the Fire Academy. He was a police officer who realized his true calling was to be a firefighter as his father was and his brothers are/were. He was a man with many friends and people who respected him, looked up to him, appreciated him and learned from him.

Lt. Perry also became a firefighter to have more time to spend with his family. From all I've read of this man he was a dedicated family man who had wonderful relationships with his children and a love of cooking for his wife. He ran in the NY Marathon and was active in the FDNY community.

He was a good looking man as well, everything you think of when you think of a firefighter. There is a story I read that said when he was training to be a firefighter he would be spotted running up and down the stairs of the Eltingville station in Staten Island carrying an oxygen tank. He was dedicated to his vocation and his commitment showed through in all he touched. Another story told of his offer to help a friend paint his house and while the friend was at work, the entire house was painted. This was the sort of man Lt. Glenn C. Perry was.

Those who write about Lt. Perry are quick to say he was 'always laughing' and the sort of person you felt good being around. A man who seemingly had it all and could have stayed insulated inside his own happy world but he did not. Instead he chose to go into a line of work that requires you to risk your life for others and into this he went willingly and with enthusiasm.

Lt. Perry was a man who touched people, it's evident from reading the entries in his Legacy book that haven't stopped being added as time has moved on. This is a man who was surrounded with goodness in his life and he gave back with all he had every day of his life. I am sorry I did not know Lt. Glenn C. Perry but I feel as if I've come to know him reading about him for this tribute.

Lt. Glenn C. Perry was indeed a true American hero and it was my honour and pleasure to write for him and to remember him and all those who gave their lives that day.

I think the biggest 'find' I came across looking Lt. Perry up was this video I am posting. His wife Peggy is in it and it is a gathering of friends and family to celebrate the life of Lt. Perry. Not his death, his life. His spirit celebrated at a Memorial Picnic. It touched me, it made cry, it made me appreciate all that Lt. Perry and his brother did and sacrificed for the rest of us. It made me want to know this man and it made me want to run out and hug a firefighter. To see all these people here for this man 8 years later says so much more than anything I can say here.

In closing, thank you Lt. Glenn C. Perry. Thank you for your dedication, devotion and commitment. Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice. You and those who were lost with you will never ever be forgotten by myself and so many others.

God bless Lt. Glenn C. Perry, firefighters and those who serve their country and/or community and God bless America.

We will never forget.



(for the current tribute with new additions, please see here)

1. He is a true hero and not forgotten. I’ll NEVER forget

   Cylithria Dubois  on  09/11  at  08:43 PM

2. Very well written. I wear Lt. Perry’s name on my wrist on a memorial band. I also had never met Lt. Perry and hope to one day see the house that he served from. He has been an inspiration to me on many calls.

   343
   Rich

   Rich Hays  on  11/30  at  11:14 AM

3. Lt.Glenn C. Perry married my first cousin Peggy Riley, who was a perfect match for each other.I will never forget the first time I met Glenn for many reasons. He was the type of guy who made you feel like he was your best friend. To top that off he had a fantsstic smile like no other. As a husband to Peggy he was great and when it came to his three kids, Glenn Jr, Meaghan and Caitlin he was a doting dad. word has it if you needed a hand Glenn was always there. There is a phrase the apple doesnt fall far from the tree, well its true because Glenn Jr. Joined the fire department after 9/11. Today Iam proud to say I knew Lt.Glenn C. Perry who gave his life that fatefull day. I will always carry Glenn in my heart and never forget what he gave of himself while he was with us.God speed to Lt. Glenn C. Perry.

    on  09/10  at  04:32 PM

4. Thank you for doing a wonderfull job on this story about Glenn.A.K.A. Lt.C.Perry. You truly have a gift when it comes to writing,thats a fact.Iwant you to know I will be making a video thanking people who helped telling Glenns story. Just to let you know but you will be a big part of the video. I will send the video to you when its done. Your friend Riley.

    on  09/13  at  12:29 AM
Page 1 of 1 pages

Name:

Email:

Location:

URL:

Smileys

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?