From New York to Xàbia: A 9/11 Tribute That Calls for Community Support
Volunteer firefighter Adam, a veteran of the NYFD, will swim from the port to the Parador and back to remember those lost in 9/11.
This year, Xàbia’s Balcón al Mar Voluntarios Firefighters have been honoured to welcome Adam, a New York City firefighter whose career has been defined by courage, service, and remembrance.
For the first time in 24 years, Adam won’t be with his fellow firefighters in New York on September 11th. Instead, he is bringing a powerful tradition to Xàbia, one that began in the shadow of “Ladder 5,” the fire truck that became a haunting symbol of resilience after the Twin Towers fell. Every year, Adam reads the name of a fallen brother and takes on a physical challenge before a memorial service, keeping their memory alive in action as well as words.
This September 11th, at exactly 8.43am – the moment the first plane struck the North Tower – Adam will leap into the sea in the port and swim to the Parador and back. It’s a simple gesture, but one loaded with meaning: honouring those lost in 2001 while paying tribute to firefighters worldwide who continue to risk everything in service of others.
The Balcón al Mar Voluntarios Firefighters warmly invite residents, visitors, and friends to witness and support this moving event and, just as importantly, to contribute. Because remembrance is not only about looking back; it’s about standing together on this poignant day.
