While September 11 is a solemn day for many, the legacy of heroes like George Cain will ensure that those who lost their lives will never be forgotten.
For those old enough to remember, it’s been twenty years since the world watched on with horror at the terrorist attacks that unfolded at the World Trade Centre in New York City, the Pentagon just outside of Washington, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Almost three thousand people lost their lives that day, and the events of September 11 triggered a response that has arguably defined how we combat terrorism on a global scale.
Every year, September 11 marks a day of emotion and reflection for not just Americans, but citizens around the world. Police officers, paramedics and firefighters have been known to be particularly affected by the anniversary – if such a catastrophic event had occurred on their own home soil, it would be them on the front line instead of their American peers. Of the 2,977 victims killed in the September 11 attacks, 415 of those were emergency service workers in New York City who responded to the plea for help at the World Trade Centre.
Like all emergency service workers, the American members of this tight knit community are also mums, dads, brothers, husbands, sisters and valued friends, many of whom went to work that Sunday thinking it would be just another ‘normal day’, with one of those firefighters being George Cain.
The Legacy Of George Cain
The World Trade Center alarm came through only minutes before George C. Cain was due to complete his shift with Ladder Co. 7 of Manhattan’s Battalion 8. He was climbing the stairs of the Marriott Hotel in search of survivors when the South Tower of the World Trade Centre collapsed. At the age of just thirty five, George lost his life while trying to save as many others as he could.
On the back of George’s ultimate sacrifice, his mother Rosemary has worked tirelessly to ensure that the memory of those who gave their lives in service is never forgotten, even appearing on Fox News to advocate for the importance of the emergency services.
“There was simply nothing George wouldn’t do to help people, and he was always the first one off the truck. However, I never worried when he went off to work, because I know they look after each other.”
As a firefighter for seven years, George notably loved the camaraderie of the firehouse – so much so, that on the morning before the attacks, he was on a run with some colleagues as they were training to enter the New York Marathon.
For members of the emergency services around the world, many have resonated with George’s lust for life, passion for staying fit, and ultimately helping people. Like many others before them, Cherry Lending & Finance founder Nikki Berzin recalls how her own husband and a group of his Victorian emergency service peers were inspired by George’s story.
“My husband is a police officer, I’m an ex firefighter, and my entire business is built on the support of the emergency services community. When the ten year anniversary of September 11 was approaching in 2011, a group consisting of my husband and his peers decided to make the pilgrimage of sorts to the United States, and actually visited Ground Zero on the day of the anniversary. It was at this point that they met George’s mother Rosemary Cain, and his sister Nancy.
Inspired by George, the group went on to complete marathons in San Francisco, Virginia Beach and Washington before returning to New York City, to complete a full forty two kilometre marathon around Central Park that was being held on September 10 in memory of the victims of the attack. The group kept in touch with Rosemary and Nancy, and with their permission, George became the face of the marathons for the team as a means to remember and commemorate his services to his country.”
In 2021, there are approximately 300,000 people working as police officers, paramedics, firefighters or nurses in Australia. While that number alone is quite significant, the emergency services community is actually much bigger when we consider personnel that are either in training, have retired, plus their families too. September 11 is a date that affects many members of this global community, and remembering heroes like George Cain helps to ensure that none of us ever forget the sacrifices they made and will continue to honour those who are still serving.
Supporting The Emergency Services Community
With a background in emergency services, banking, finance, business development and project management, there’s no better advocate to have on your team than Nikki Berzin. As a fully qualified mortgage broker and director of Cherry Lending & Finance, Nikki is passionate about helping the emergency services community with all things finance, and empowering her clients with the tools to hit their property goals.
If you’re looking to get into your first home, purchase an investment property or even want to look at your options for refinancing, the first step is starting the conversation. Get in touch with Nikki today, or call her directly on 0427 374 155 to bring your mortgage dreams to life.
Disclaimer: Your full financial needs and requirements need to be assessed prior to any offer or acceptance of a loan product. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility apply.
Credit Representative 499652 is authorised under Australian Credit License 389328.
