Helping in a small way


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Posted by Morris Kainuma on September 19, 2001 at 16:40:15:

I just got back from Lower Manhattan, where I played with a volunteer brass quintet for some of the rescue, fire and police department personnel and emergency crews. We played across the street from St. Paul’s Chapel, one block away from the World Trade Center. Needless to say, security is very tight in the area. After the requisite I.D. checks (of course our bags and instruments were inspected thoroughly), we were escorted to the church. The minister there asked us to play outside, since many workers were inside resting. We selected a location across the street from the church so we would be out of the way of the many workers and trucks bringing in supplies. We played chorales and hymns, some classical arrangements and a couple of marches. Many workers and police officers stopped by and expressed their appreciation for the music. They’re thanking us? They’re the ones who regularly put their lives on the line and are working to help the city recover from the disaster. We were more than happy to volunteer our services and help in whatever small way we could. A couple of church volunteers commented that this was the first music they heard in the area since last week’s attack. The music could be heard inside the church as well, and those inside reportedly enjoyed it.

Down the block could be seen the burned out shell of what was WTC 4 or 5 (I think), and the huge pile of rubble that was WTC 7. Of course, we didn’t get any closer. The old cemetery alongside St. Paul’s Chapel is completely covered with dust and debris. Upon closer inspection, we could make out burned pieces of paper, a piece of a business card, part of a phone book, part of a financial record book.

After playing for a couple of hours, we left with an appreciation of all the people there. Our instruments and cases are covered with dust and grit, and we’ll return again to give what we can. Those people working at the disaster site are amazing, awesome Americans.

God Bless America



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