Eight years ago today this country was attacked by cowards using our air transportation as weapons to kill nearly 3,000 citizens (American and foreign) in and around the twin towers, the pentagon, and the heroes on United flight 93 who helped bring that plane down before the terrorists could ram it in to the nation’s capital building.
I still remember the way I felt that day. The fact is, I remember that feeling every day. I am not one of those who have forgotten. Too many in this country have forgotten how they felt the day America was attacked. Too many in this country have forgotten about those who died a senseless unnecessary death that day. Too many have forgotten the way they felt the day after – on 9/12 – and the way we as Americans, and many of our allies around the world, united to fight a common enemy.
The purpose of this post is to remember one of those who died and to help keep the memory of that day alive for everyone. Project 2996 was set up to help keep the memory alive of those who died. I am participating this year and every year from this point forward. Today I would like you all to get to know Moises N. Rivas and to remember him.
Moises N. Rivas was just 29 years young when American Airlines flight 11 slammed in to the North Tower. Moises was a staff cafeteria cook working at the Windows of The World restaurant on the top floor of the building. Moises is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his stepdaughter Linda, his son Moises, Jr., and his daughter Moesha.
Moises immigrated from Ecuador with dreams of one day becoming a rock star or a top chef. At the time of his death he was attempting to fulfill both of his dreams – one by being a cook in a prestigious restaurant, the other as a member of a local band as a song-writer and lead singer.
Before the building came down that day, Moises was able to get one final call out to his family. His stepdaughter, Linda answered the phone. His wife Elizabeth was out doing the laundry. When his wife heard the news she called home -the following his her account:
“So I called Linda and said, ‘Linda, did Moises call?’ And she said, ‘Yes, Mami, he said not to worry, he is OK.’
“‘He said, ‘Mami, he loves you no matter what happens. He loves you.’ That’s it.”
Moises never had a chance to call again. Despite the chaos around him he reached out to the ones he loved to give them one last message. I can’t imagine the pain his family felt that day. His son is 12 now and his daughter is 10. My prayers go out to Moises’ family. R.I.P. Moises N. Rivas.
If you’d like to leave a message – you can go here to do so.
