St. Marys Catholic Middle School had the honor of hosting guest speaker Gordon Huie yesterday. Gordon is the only known “Triple” of 9/11, meaning he is a survivor, lost a family member, and was a rescue worker. On 9/11/2001, Gordon was working as an orthopedic surgeon in NYC when the attack occurred on the World Trade Center. Gordon was in the area for a meeting that fateful day and headed towards the WTC to see where he could assist. With his medical background as an Army Combat Medic and Airforce Medical Officer, Gordon offered his services at nearby Beekman Hospital to help those injured in the attack.
Gordon discussed the continued deaths that still occur 23 years after the attacks. Many survivors have cancer due to the dust and debris from that day, carrying multiple carcinogens, including Gordon himself. Others have psychological effects from the tragedies of that day. He explained the impact to not only the WTC but the surrounding area that was damaged in the attacks in a five-mile radius.
Gordon has spent years as a guest speaker at the 9/11 Tribute Museum in NY. The museum shared personal stories of family members who lost loved ones, survivors, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and residents. Sadly, the museum closed in 2022, leaving a museum full of artifacts and history without a home, through the generosity of some residents right here in St. Marys, who made the trip to NY to rescue and preserve some of the artifacts from the museum from being thrown out. Gordan hopes that someday, there will once again be a museum to display this moment in history and honor the memories of those lost that day.
