“Talk is Cheap”

“Talk is Cheap” was the theme of a special tribute hosted by Life Academy to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Islamic terror attacks on our country and to celebrate the heroes that rose up in those dark hours.

Thirty friends of Life Academy gathered to hear Mr. Palmisano describe his experiences in New York City on September 11, 2001 when he became a modern-day minuteman, rushing to the aid of fellow Americans. He left the safety of his school on Fort Tilden, NY, borrowed turn-out gear from a local volunteer fire department, and arrived at Ground Zero twenty minutes after the second World Trade Center tower fell. Though untrained as a rescue worker, he was not unprepared for the challenge. He credits his faith in Jesus Christ for giving him the courage to do what needed to be done. "I knew Jesus' death on the cross paid for my sins and I'd accepted Him as my Savior. Because of that, I knew for sure that if I died down there, I'd be going to meet Him in Heaven." Mr. Palmisano had been memorizing the 23rd Psalm with his young son. The verses he'd committed to memory flooded his mind hour after hour, day after day, as he participated in the rescue effort, first helping survivors find shelter and medical help, then working on the smoldering pile of rubble.

Following Mr. Palmisano’s presentation, Lexie Forbes was introduced to unveil a commemorative portrait. Her remarks are reprinted here:

“I decided to mark the 10th anniversary of the Islamic terror attacks on the United States by painting a portrait from the photograph of my friend, Paul Palmisano, that appeared in New York Newsday on September 17, 2001. It evoked emotions that many Americans felt in the days and weeks following the attacks. The principal figure stands with his head bowed in prayer, his exhaustion obvious in the slump of his shoulders. His location and the time period are evident from the subway sign and earnest pleas for information enshrined behind him on the fence. Even though the day is sunny, we knew we had entered into the valley of the shadow of death.

“I chose to employ a red underpainting and use choppy brushwork to indicate the gaping wound these attacks made on our nation and the passion, urgency, and courage of the heroes that came to the aid of their countrymen on that day and in the days since.

“I have watched scores of hours of 9/11 coverage since the moment our borders were breached. I have heard of heroic deeds by co-workers and fellow travelers who helped one another in the danger zones; by firefighters and police officers and soldiers who responded to the call of duty at the risk of their own lives; and even by ordinary citizens who came to the aid of the injured once they reached safety. Perhaps there were others who struggled upstream through the terrified exodus of humanity from the wreckage of the World Trade Centers…but I haven’t heard of them. I have not heard of a single person who determined to begin his short career as a volunteer fireman on 9/11. I have not heard of another person who borrowed gear so that he could get past the cordoned-off danger zone and go alone into the confusion in the roiling debris cloud—a scene of hellish proportions—to lead others to safety. There may be others who did this—but it is my belief that we are in the presence of a one-of-a-kind hero that few people ever meet.

“I feel honored to present this portrait as a token of my great esteem to my friend, Paul Palmisano.”

Karen Luebbe provided delicious hors d’oevres for the event, after which Mr. Palmisano left for New York City to attend the 10th anniversary memorial observance. Thanks to all those who made the evening a success and to those who helped make Mr. Palmisano’s trip possible.

Prints--including signed, limited edition prints--of this commemorative portrait are available now. 

Contact us for more information.