Gerard oral history interview conducted by Melodie Guerrera, July 20, 2010

About

On 9/11, Gerard was a union laborer running asphalt at a concrete plant in Queens, from which he had a clear view of the attacks. He felt impelled to volunteer to do whatever he could, particularly since his family members had helped to build the towers. When he arrived at the site two days later, he felt like he was going into battle. The area was still full of smoke, with dust and debris blowing all around him. He joined the bucket brigade and began helping iron workers cut and move steel. With foresight, Gerard had brought his own respirator from his work site, but most other people there only had paper masks. The work was grueling and there was constant danger of further collapses. When the whistle blew, everyone had to hurry off the pile. Gerard worked twenty-four hours straight. He went back the next week and then continued going on weekends. In the beginning, people were just rushing to do whatever they could, at times, without considering the possible dangers involved. When the effort changed from rescue to recovery, things became more organized. Gerard worked in the basement of the Verizon building, hauling debris up and out. Everyone wanted to help each other, whether by assisting with the work or providing food and water. Gerard notes, "You saw hell that day. But you saw a little bit of heaven also." The experience shifted his priorities and motivated him to become more actively involved in his daughter's life. He also became more vigilant, and for a year…

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Library of Congress

Language

English

Country

United States

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