Bob Beckwith was working within the smoldering ruins of the World Commerce Middle when George W Bush visited the location.
A retired New York Metropolis firefighter who rose to fame after being photographed subsequent to then-President George W. Bush within the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, assaults has died at age 91. .
Bob Beckwith was working within the smoldering ruins of the World Commerce Middle three days after the assaults, when Bush visited the location and gave a speech promising to carry the perpetrators accountable.
“I can hear you, the remainder of the world can hear you, and the individuals who introduced down these buildings will all hear us quickly,” Bush mentioned in remarks to rescuers looking for survivors.
Photos of Bush talking right into a megaphone along with his arm round Beckwith turned a few of the most well-known photographs symbolizing the grief and resolve of Individuals within the days after the hijackers shot down the planes on the Twin Towers. Towers.
“Bob Beckwith was one among many FDNY retirees [Fire Department of New York] members who responded to the World Commerce Middle web site within the days and months following 9/11 to help within the rescue and restoration efforts as a testomony to their devotion to their FDNY household,” Hearth Commissioner Laura Kavanagh mentioned in an announcement on Monday.
“His iconic portrait with President Bush captured a second that was each inspiring and heartbreaking. We’re grateful for his service to our metropolis and our nation, and we be part of his household and mates in mourning his passing. loss”.
On Monday, Bush paid tribute to Beckwith, saying he had been privileged to remain in contact with the “first rate and humble man” through the years.
“When the terrorists attacked, Bob stepped again up and, like so many courageous first responders, ran towards hazard to avoid wasting and seek for others. His braveness represented the defiant and resilient spirit of New Yorkers and Individuals after 9/11,” Bush mentioned in an announcement printed on X.
Born in 1932, Beckwith had a virtually 30-year profession as a New York Metropolis firefighter.
Regardless of retiring in 1994, he joined many different present and former responders to assist seek for survivors within the hours and days after the assaults.
