September 11th is Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day Americans across the country are called to volunteer in their local communities in tribute to the individuals lost and injured in the attacks, first responders, and the many who have risen in service to defend freedom.

 

Unconditionally Her honors and remembers all those who have and currently serve.  Today, we honor the memory of Officer Thomas Gorman.

 

Officer Gorman was killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks while aiding in the rescue of victims trapped in the World Trade Center. Officer Gorman was only forty-one at the time of his death.  A member of the Port Authority ESU, he was one of the first to respond to the call for help at the World Trade Center. A man full of life and love for his family, Officer Gorman had worked for the Port Authority at Newark Airport and at the Bus Terminal before he was assigned to the Journal Square PATH station in Jersey City. Before he joined the Port Authority, he worked at the Bayonne Fire Department as a firefighter.

 

One of Officer Gorman’s young children was Patrick.  Patrick was only 11 when his father perished in the World Trade Center South Tower.  Patrick remembers his father as one who loved his family and loved serving his community.

 

But the honor didn’t stop at only remembrance for Patrick.

 

In 2014, Patrick was one of the 249 cadets sworn in as a Port Authority Police Officer. The graduating
113th Class was the first to have graduates who lost a parent or close relative in the 9/11 attacks.  To honor his Dad’s memory, Patrick proudly graduated wearing his Dad’s badge number #1712 close to his heart.

 

Today, Patrick’s mission continues to expand to serve and honor his father’s legacy by serving as a representative for all the children of the fallen officers of 9/11.  Patrick, Unconditionally Her honors you for who you are and your committed legacy to your Dad. Thank you 1712 for your service.

 

See Patrick’s interview below.