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Welles Crowther

by Destiny from San Diego

The burning buildings Crowther saved dozens from (http://www.fetzer.org/our-work/projects/red-bandana-project-extends-legacy-compassion)
The burning buildings Crowther saved dozens from (http://www.fetzer.org/our-work/projects/red-bandana-project-extends-legacy-compassion)

Who would think a simple red bandana would connect such a bond between father and son? Welles Crowther's red bandana stuck to him like glue his entire life. Wearing it under his helmet during football games, keeping it in his pockets at all times, etc. A mere piece of cloth meant so much to him. It symbolized the relationship between him and his father. His father having a blue one, and himself having a red. Crowther was an over achiever as a child. From staying up late countless nights doing extra homework, to getting awards for being student of the year.

All around Crowther was a good kid. He always went out of his way to help others, always putting others before him. He got character traits such as these from his father. You could definitely say they were attached by the hip. He learned all he knew from him. Responsibility, kindness, braveness. In result of their bonding relationship, his father gave him the red bandana at a very young age. That do this day gave him the title "The Man in the Red Bandana" Welles Crowther is a hero because his bravery and selflessness inspires others. Having these character traits, in my eyes, determines being a hero.

 This is Welles Crrowther in his fathers uniform ( http://www.fetzer.org/our-work/projects/red-bandan (ESPN)
This is Welles Crrowther in his fathers uniform ( http://www.fetzer.org/our-work/projects/red-bandan (ESPN)

A New York Times article about the upper floors of the Trade Center on Sept. 11 says "Mystery man appeared at one point, his mouth and nose covered with a red handkerchief." Welles went right into the flames not having any second thoughts. He risked his life to save dozens of people from a burning building in the tragedy of 9/11 not to mention still having the red bandana with him. He truly was fighter. While chocking on poisonous fumes he still kept fighting and in the end he died. He remained the same brave person he was a child and in result he save dozens of people from burning in a building. Crowther may have died, but he died with honor "And when the planes struck, he was no longer an equities trader - he was a fire fighter saving lives. I think there's a higher calling in life." He was selfless because he put people before him. A trait he had carried with him his entire life. He always dreamed of becoming a firefighter when he was older simply because he loved helping people. No matter what he had to risk in the end. Not only was Crowther selfless, he was kind. Some may say there is no difference, but the way I see it selflessness is helping others before yourself. Kindness is actually enjoying others being ok in the process.

"Firefighters know a hero when they see one - so this week, the FDNY will make one brave civilian who died saving others in the World Trade Center attack am " honorary member." Crowther is an inspiration on others because being brave and selfless truly makes for a hero. And inspires others to be a hero themselves. And in the end your actions get rewarded. Crowther may have died after saving others, but he died with honor and left a story for others to cherish and get inspiration from. This is why "The Man in the Red Bandana" will forever be a hero to me.

This is the memorial spot of Welles Crowther http://vimeo.com/28631586 (Timothy Horgan )
This is the memorial spot of Welles Crowther http://vimeo.com/28631586 (Timothy Horgan )


Page created on 6/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 6/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

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