In memory of Dominican victims of 9/11

St. Rose (left) and Francis died in the Twin Towers attack

Today, 18 years ago on September 11, 2001, two airplanes struck the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York in what has been described as the worst terrorist attack on US soil.

The attack was part of a series of four suicide attacks that were coordinated to strike areas of New York City and Washington, D.C.

Two Dominicans lost their lives in the Twin Towers on that fateful day. They are Fitzroy St. Rose and Virgin Lucy Francis.

Forty-year-old St. Rose was a computer technician working for General Telecom on the 96th floor in One World Trade Center. He had a shy smile and an upbeat stride. He seemed to stand a bit taller, one close friend said, when he was doing things out of the goodness of his heart.

He made several calls to his mother after the planes crashed into the towers.

After the towers collapsed, a frantic and intensive search in several hospitals across New York bore no fruit and the grim reality that he had actually died in the attacks soon became apparent.

St. Rose was born on April 19, 1961. He was from Canefield, attended the St. Mary’s Academy and worked as a firefighter before migrating to the Bronx in New York.

Virgin Lucy Francis was 62 years old when she met her tragic end on September 11, 2001. She was born on March 6, 1939 in Dominica but moved to Barbados and migrated to the US in 1986.

She worked at ‘Windows on the World’ as a housekeeper on the 107th floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Centre.

Francis took immense pride in her work and on the morning of the attack was expected to begin her shift at 9:00 am, but went early as she usually did. She took the A train from Fulton Street and arrived well before the first plane struck the buildings. Her family still cannot believe that she is gone.

The names of the two Dominicans have been inscribed, along with the 2,983 names of the men, women, and children killed on that day, into bronze parapets surrounding the twin memorial pools, located in the footprints of the Twin Towers.

St. Rose’s mum stands next to his name at 9/11 Memorial a few years ago
The attack on the Twins Towers

 

 

 

 

 

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12 Comments

  1. Annon
    September 11, 2019

    Involved parties are: The Bush’s, Cheney, The Saudi Royals.

  2. joseph charles
    September 11, 2019

    RIP…by the way which Airplane?

    is it the one like the rocket which hit the reinforced section of the pentagon?

  3. dissident
    September 11, 2019

    rest in peace

    painful memories…..i made it alive though
    I’M A SURVIVOR!!!!!!!

  4. A View From The Side
    September 11, 2019

    I recall that sad and fateful day clearly. I worked the 09/10 to 09/11 overnight shift through 7 am and headed back to Long Island from Manhattan’s Lower West Side, a mere mile from the World Trade Center.

    Our family were plunged into a state of worry and uncertainty in the immediate wake of the event while we awaited word from my sister who worked at an area high school. Our agony and that of many others was heightened by the unavailability of cellular communication which were dependent on the destroyed World Trade Center Tower based transmitters.

    Thank YAH my sister was spared; however, I will always remember the numbing sight and putrid smell of the still smoldering towers as I stood peering south at the corner of Canal and Hudson streets on the evening of 09/12.

    The eery silence of the normally bustling Tribeca area was only pierced by the periodic sirens of emergency response vehicles.

    May YAH continue to bless and keep all those who suffered the loss of a family…

  5. Bwa-Banday
    September 11, 2019

    Man everytime I see Fitzroy picture it pains my heart. What a good, happy go-lucky guy he was in his lifetime. He paid the ultimate price innocently. Today, some of the same people who took his life are enjoying his birthright (Passport) and the good that comes with it. We shall NEVER forget! May he Rest In Eternal Peace with the ancestors. :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

  6. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    September 11, 2017

    I saw this shocking situation unfold on TV. It was enough to make people cry and to have nightmares over.
    A friend from N.Y. had sent me a photocopy of the picture of Fitzroy St. Rose. I keep it among information of departed loved ones, family and friends. Whenever I access the file, his picture is prominent also reminding me of that fateful day. I also say an eternal rest for him, for Virgin Lucy and others who died in that inferno.
    I imagine the feelings of his loved ones and also of Virgin Lucy Francis who relive this fateful day and the passing of their loved ones in such a manner.
    America and the rest of especially the democratic world will always remember them until the end of the world.
    You suffered prior to dying. Continue to rest in God’s peace. Amen!

  7. jack rabbit
    September 11, 2017

    which planes …the US Govt ones aimed at the explosive filled building

    • Itassi
      September 11, 2019

      What a foolish and ignorant comment! Smh!

  8. September 11, 2017

    R.I.P. Never forget!

  9. Dominica Massive
    September 11, 2017

    It is a sad reality.To the family and friends of the 2 who got cut off it will never be the same.Hold on to God unchanging hands,

  10. Shameless
    September 11, 2017

    Every year since I can’t help but shed tears over the sudden loss of my friend Fitzroy. The fond memories of playing football with him and guys like Sgt. Bertrand in the Canefiels Stadium will stay with me forever. You brought a smile to so many people’s face when u were here. RIP my friend until we meet again.

    Assertive but still saddened! :cry: :cry: :cry:

  11. Really?
    September 11, 2017

    May they rest in peace

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