The Kneeling Fireman statue is a powerful and moving tribute to the firefighters who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks in New York City. The statue depicts a firefighter on bended knee, holding his helmet in his hands, and is located in front of the Emigrant Savings Bank on East 43rd Street in New York City.
Created by artist Terry Jones, it was originally intended to be part of a memorial in Missouri honoring fallen firefighters. However, after the attacks on September 11th, the statue was brought to New York City and installed in front of the Emigrant Savings Bank as a tribute to the firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
As a New Yorker that was in New York on 9/11, this statue always brings back a flood of memories that usually tend to surface around 9/11.
The Kneeling Fireman Statue
The Kneeling Fireman statue is made of bronze and stands more than 9 feet tall, with intricate details that capture the texture of the firefighter’s gear and the expression on his face.
The history of this statue reinforces that timing can be everything. The inscription at the base of the statue states that the Milstein Family and Emigrant Bank have dedicated this site to display “The Kneeling Fireman” statue on commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11/01.
The statue was originally commissioned by the Firefighters Association of Missouri, and arrived in New York just as the tragedy began to unfold. Matthews International decided this statue should never leave the city and presented it to the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation, who accepted the gift on behalf of all the firefighters and citizens of New York City. The Milstein Family agreed to display the statue and provided a granite base and storage until a fitting permanent site could be found. “The Kneeling Fireman” was temporarily displayed in front of one of the Milstein buildings at 44th Street and 8th Avenue. With the dedication of this site in front of the Emigrant Bank building, the statue has found a permanent home and represents the only memorial to 9/11 in midtown Manhattan.
The Milstein Family was one of the builders of the World Trade Center, including all walls, floors, and ceilings.
A FireFighter’s Prayer
The statue also features A FireFighter’s Prayer, which is-
When I am called to duty,
God, whenever flames may rage;
Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child before it’s too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect their property.
And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life;
Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
The statue also celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the New York City Fire Department.
The Kneeling Fireman is definitely worth visiting if you are in the vicinity of Grand Central. I know that I choose to walk past this often.
