Rall and his fellow firefighters proceeded on that day with the same urgency, commitment, and determination to rescue anyone involved in the 9/11 disaster..as an elite group of firefighters with a serious mission: to save fellow firefighters or civilians who are trapped in blazes or endangered by urban disasters.
I know Ed and his family for over 20 years now. We miss him terribly and our hearts go out to his wife Darlene and his sons Joe, Matt & Dan. We will never forget all the good times we had over the years. I can’t help but feel the loss of the times we should be sharing and the memories we should still be embracing. As my husband once said ” we were supposed to grow old together” but that came to an unexpected halt and know we grow old without our good friend and try to carry on and be there for Ed’s family as much as we can. We miss and love you always. WE WILL NEVER FORGETET”em.”
New York lost 340 firefighters, two retired members, the chaplain, and two paramedics on that horrific September morning. These men and women bravely laid down their lives to rescue, serve and protect their fellow Americans. Words escape me in trying to express my deepest appreciation for their bravery and selfless acts.
An interesting comment I found recently was:
I was doing a concert the other day and on the stage I saw a dog tag so I picked it up. It read, “F.D.N.Y. Edward Rall, Missing in Action, September 11, 2001”. I had to look up the name and read about him. I am so honored to have found this and I want his family to know how much I appreciate what he did and the sacrifice he made for the City of New York and for his Nation…Thank you and God Bless. (Anonymous, dated June 14, 2009)
I truly hope this person was able to make contact with Rall’s family and give them a cherished memento.
A comment I found on his Legacy Guest book dated, August 26, 2009.
It’s been 8 years now and a day doesn’t go by that we don’t think of you and miss you. Things haven’t been the same since 9/11 and they never will. When I think of Ed I see him with a Coors light in one hand and a cigar in the other with a big smile on his face. We had a lot of good times together and a lot of laughs. Miss you buddy. Always in our thoughts and our hearts until we meet again. (Joann and Paul Bader)
Other comments from various sites regarding Rall that showed the man of honor he truly was:
“I just finished the book “The Last Men Out” by Tom Downey. This is how I came to know of Eddie Rall, and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our city – and our nation – on September 11, 2001. I guess I just wanted to put a face with a name. I highly suggest that anyone read this book. You will get just a small glimpse of essence of this man, and the brothers he perished with. You will learn not only of the events of this tragic day, but also of the countless “smaller” emergencies they respond to that don’t make the headlines. This world is a better place because of them.”
“I didn’t know you Ed, but your name comes up every year when my team participates in the tournament that has been named in your honor. Some of the young player’s dads are firefighters. I stumbled on this sight and was very happy to be able to finally put your face with the name. Thanks for being there and doing what had to be done on that day which showed the worst and the best of humanity. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
“To Mr. Rall’s son Dan, Often people look at a singer or a sports player and call them heroes. Now I realize that heroes don’t have to be famous to be recognized. The courage that your father showed on that day made me realize that he was and still is a hero.”
I know Ed and his family for over 20 years now. We miss him terribly and our hearts go out to his wife Darlene and his sons Joe, Matt & Dan. We will never forget all the good times we had over the years. I can’t help but feel the loss of the times we should be sharing and the memories we should still be embracing. As my husband once said ” we were suppose to grow old together” but that came to an unexpected halt and know we grow old without our good friend and try to carry on and be there for Ed’s family as much as we can . We miss and love you always. WE WILL NEVER FORGET
What an amazing man! My heart, thoughts, prayers, appreciation and compassion go out to his wife Darlene, sons, Joe, Matt and Dan. How fortunate you were to have such an honorable hero in your life and we thank you for allowing us to honor Edward Rall and the awesome man he was. May God Bless each and every one of you.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET!