ROCKLAND – “Overall, it means the world to firefighters on this day,” Rockland Firefighter Carl Anderson said.

Sixteen years after September 11, 2001, Rockland’s majority have long since returned to everyday life. Yet for those who can relate to the trauma of the day, as well as those suffering survivor’s guilt, today’s ceremony remains worthy of pause.

“You read all the time about different stories about 9/11,” Anderson said. “What no one’s ever touched on is the people who are now living with survivors’ guilt.

“Survivor’s guilt is a pretty prevalent thing,” he said. “With all the PTSD talk that’s happening now with first responders, and everything, I think it’s an important subject that needs to be addressed.”

More than 3,000 people died that day, yet one in particular survived by pure chance.

Anderson shared the story of Beth Epstein, an executive officer for Morgan Stanley. She rarely left her office on the 67th floor. At 8:40 a.m., a friend invited her outside for a cigarette break on a beautiful autumn day. In the elevator, on the way to the ground, she felt a jolt. Exiting the building, she saw people stunned and staring at the other tower. And then, as she watched, a fireball went right through the office she’d just left.

Every single person in her office died that day.

“Now here we are, 16 years later, a small city in Midcoast Maine, talking about life lessons and remembering those who have gone before us.”

Anderson reflected during the ceremony on how amazing it is that a tragedy like this would both positively and negatively affect generations for years to come.

Chief Chris Whytock spoke of his own family’s recent visit to Ground Zero this past spring.

“I was a little concerned that my children wouldn’t grasp the concept, being as young as they are now,” he said. “My nine year old was drawn right in.”

Rockland’s fire department and its Union 1584 members are maintaining their own permanent memorial. Members are using their breaks, as well as their days off to weed, plant and groom the small plot around a piece of World Trade Center steel brought in last year, according to Anderson. The union donates money for upkeep. The City chips in with mulch and finances, Home Depot donates plants, and Rockport Landscape has helped as well.

The people are coming.

“All the time,” he said, though more so in September. “There are a lot of people who pull up, see what it is, and then take pictures.”

And then, as resident Louise McLellan-Ruf told ceremony attendees, it’s OK to continue on with our lives.

Anderson repeated the words spoken by Beth Epstein: “Take time to be with your family. At the end of the day, that’s all we have.”

“That’s why we have these ceremonies. Because of family,” Anderson said. “Your family remembers. Your family cares. And your family loves.” 

Sarah Thompson can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com