STONEWALK 2004: BOSTON, MA to NEW YORK, NY.

August 22nd
By Daniel Jones

August 22 – Today we met at the Bridgeport Fire Department on Putnam Street. We had a huge crowd, including Robert, a film maker and organizer from Bridgeport who organized an event for this evening. As we walked along the road, I gave directions to Sarah, who was bringing back Eric and Jun-san. It was great when they met us along the road. Valerie from PT also met up with us. Cat’s mom and brother joined us. When we got into Fairfield, my uncle and aunt, David and Ann Marie Curtin, met us with a “Box of Joe” from Duncan Donuts. Barry and Marty met up with us there. They brought their son, Jeremy, and Sue from Sherborn and the other three stonewalks. It was great to see everyone again.

As we went down the road, we passed a car waiting to get out of a parking lot. I went up to leaflet and said that PT is 9/11 family group. Matt told me that he and his wife were a 9/11 family. Claire lost her brother Mike (Michel from France). He worked for Cantor. Although late for a birthday party, they came to the stone, looked Mike up in the Portraits book, and took contact information for the group and the walk. Also on this walk, Beverly highlighted her husband, Sean Rooney. Connie highlighted her son, Bradley Vadas, and Valerie highlighted her nephew. It was a somber day.

We pulled into the Westport Fire Station. When we arrived, Megan talked of her work at ground zero on 9/11 and the days after. She said she realized when Mychal Judge was listed as the first victim, that she was looking not only for our families, but for hers, too. She highlighted and we read Fr. Judge’s piece in Portraits.

After our 12 mile day, we went to my uncle’s for a swim and veggie burgers before the event in Bridgeport. After the event, we had a tearful goodbye with Dave. He came for a week and stayed for over two weeks. He spoke of how being here challengedhim to tell his family about Peaceful Tomorrows and stonewalk, and especially his passionate feelings and involvement. I am so glad his parents joined us several times during the two weeks. They also provided hospitality to several walkers in the past week. Peaceful Tomorrows is an amazing organization, letting us meet each other and this walk helping us struggle and share together in a deep and amazing way. We also said goodbye for now to Megan. I realized seeing her how much I appreciate all she has done. At the event tonight she wanted to assure us that she and her colleagues did all they could for our families. I can’t wait until Thursday to see her again.

Tomorrow we go to Sherwood Island Park where we will take the stone for the unknown to a memorial of those whom we do know. Billy, Sean and Brad’s names are there. So are too many others.