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September 11, 2006
Remembering John Adam Larson
Like so many on the morning of September 11, 2001, John Adam Larson found himself in the midst of decisions and chaos that, years later, still remain almost unimaginable. Yet those who knew him could hardly have been surprised when they learned of his simple, but remarkable heroism and calm demeanor that morning. Mr. Larson was an insurance broker with Aon Risk Services, Inc., with an office on the 103rd floor of Two World Trade Center. With a group of colleagues he'd made his way from the 103rd floor to an elevator bank on the 78th. Once there, though, his secretary and one other woman refused to board the elevator. Faced with what he must've realized was a grave decision, Larson stayed behind to remain with these women, and because he did so he perished when the tower fell. Those who boarded the elevator would survive.
John Adam Larson was just 37 years old when he perished, and he left behind his wife, Patti, two young children, aged 9 and 6, and a family life that included duties as a basketball coach, hiker, weekend pancake chef, amateur boogie boarder, and a devoted fan of Minnesota sports. A native of Butte, Montana, Mr. Larson attended the University of Delaware and graduated there in 1986, and soon thereafter married his wife, Patti. They'd moved into a new home near the Jersey shore in July 2001.
I did not ever meet Mr. Larson, nor did I think it would have been appropriate for me to attempt to contact his friends and family for the purposes of this tribute. But to learn about Mr. Larson's zeal for life and devotion to his family is to learn about a life truly lived, one filled with love, family and friendship. While Mr. Larson was one of many victims on that awful day, his was a contribution of love and compassion to a day filled with violence and hatred, one that today stands as an enduring testament of hope for those whose lives were spared that day. For this we must be grateful to John Adam Larson, pray for him, and indeed "never forget" Mr. Larson or those many other souls. May God bless them all.
[Note: The blogosphere is paying tribute to the victims of 9/11, in an effort organized by blogger D. Challener Roe.]
Posted by bill at September 11, 2006 09:13 AM
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