September 11, 2001

The above badge is one that is usually displayed in my curio cabinet. One of eleven on the second shelf, this badge is the only one that was not issued to me. It was bought shortly after that horrific day in 2001. Although it is not regulation, I pin it on my uniform shirt every September 11, should I be on duty that day.

I do it to honor all of the people who lost their lives on that crystal clear morning. All of the Schmoes. The cop Schmoes, the janitor Schmoes, the stockbroker Schmoes. I do it to honor the cubicle Schmoes, the military Schmoes, the mommy Schmoes and the flight attendant Schmoes. All of them. The Schmoes on flight 93 who fought and won the Battle of Shanksville and of course, my brother Schmoes, the Schmoes from the F.D.N.Y.

All Schmoes, just trying to keep the wolves from their doors. Remember them.