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Unsolicited words from firefighters, police officers, military families, survivors and event guests — collected from YouTube comments and post-event surveys. Nothing here was requested or edited.
Very cool — I have never seen anything like it. You are very talented. Thank you. PRP FDNY CFRD Unit, Retired.
@phyllis729
FDNY PRP / CFRD Unit, retired
YouTube comment
As a retired Baltimore City firefighter — this video brought tears to my eyes!
@DOCBYRD1
Retired Baltimore City firefighter
YouTube comment
As a firefighter I think this is a great tribute for the 343 brave souls of the FDNY and the Fire Patrol who gave their lives on the day the angels cried.
@hook2291
Firefighter
YouTube comment
God bless our firefighters — all heroes in the world! Thought it was about our troops when I first wrote — awesome!
@squyres
YouTube comment
This is the most sentimental thing about 9/11. My dad was working in NYC and had just left the firehouse — when he saw the towers come down he turned around and went back. That's dedication. Thankfully, he returned home.
@pokerlovr0493
YouTube comment
I lost my uncle on 9/11 — he had a metal rod stabbed through his chest but saved 3 people even while dying. When he was done, he died as a hero. He didn't die in vain. This video means everything to me.
@martyhits1
Nephew of a 9/11 first responder
YouTube comment
Our prayers go out to all the servicemen fighting for our freedom, and to our dear friend whose son will be deployed soon to Iraq. Our member Joe Neary did 2 tours in Vietnam — and his son Joey Jr. just returned from 2 tours of Iraq and received 2 Purple Hearts. God Bless America.
@OriginalMystic
YouTube comment
I still have that feeling of shock and disbelief I had on 9/11. Michael, this is so inspiring and such a wonderful tribute. I knew a young man married to my niece who was supposed to be in the Towers that morning. He changed appointments and was one block down — he witnessed the whole terror when he came out. I will never forget. God Bless You!
@bettyhooper1
YouTube comment
Powerful! As a retired firefighter I am humbled by his tribute.
@tjake801
Retired firefighter
YouTube comment
As a firefighter, this is amazing and makes me feel like I was chosen for this work. Great job.
@capt945
Firefighter
YouTube comment
Wow! Truly amazing painting — great job, Michael. Being a firefighter, I really enjoyed watching this.
@JKELLY139
Firefighter
YouTube comment
As a professional firefighter in New York, I greatly appreciate this video and I have passed it on to a group of professional firefighters as well. Thank you!
@Nirad04d
Professional firefighter, New York
YouTube comment
Absolutely wonderful. This is beautiful and reminds us how brave our firemen and policemen are.
@jerryandpeggyt
YouTube comment
I'm an eighteen-year-old volunteer firefighter. I've never been an easy person to affect emotionally — but this made me cry.
@BobZombie33
18-year-old volunteer firefighter
YouTube comment
Being a soldier right now, this is so moving and inspiring — this is why we serve! @michaelisrael
@tannerscott9740
Active-duty soldier
YouTube comment
I've watched this every year since 2009 on Veterans Day and it touches me every time. Can't wait for this Veterans Day!
@jmanknowsall7376
YouTube comment
From a firefighter — thank you. Stay safe, one and all.
@alanlogan111
Firefighter
YouTube comment
As a firefighter and a father, I absolutely love this video and the story behind it. Even if that wasn't his child, I can guarantee he would have done that for any child. After seeing this, Michael Israel is one of my favorite people in the world. This video brought tears to my eyes.
@ehayday
Firefighter and father
YouTube comment
Watched this as a kid and loved it every year.
@tempeperoni
YouTube comment
As a member of the Air Force, I have to say this brought me to tears. It is amazing!
@jettieeva
U.S. Air Force
YouTube comment
This is amazing. I was in the front row — I shouldn't have worn my new suit, though. My wife got a souvenir when a paintbrush got stuck in her hair!
@Knight192
Front-row audience member
YouTube comment
I'm a volunteer firefighter in PA and 9/11 took a toll on me emotionally — and made me proud of what I do. I'm also an artist, and this piece has so much emotion in it. It's simply amazing. Thank you for this tribute. We will always remember.
@rcman358
Volunteer firefighter, Pennsylvania - and an artist
YouTube comment
As many times as I've seen this, it never fails to slay me. I have a picture of Michael sitting and talking with my dad. The show was amazing.
@croninn
YouTube comment
We watched this video in my Firefighter 1 class in Seneca County. Truly inspirational to all of us. To all my fellow firefighters — God Bless You All and You're Amazing!
@storrisw300
Firefighter 1 class, Seneca County
YouTube comment
Brilliant talent! Such a nice tribute to our firefighters and other heroes who risk their lives to save others. Michael, you are truly inspirational.
@macbabe74
YouTube comment
Amazing! I remembered watching TV on 9/11 and seeing the images of firefighters entering the WTC before the buildings collapsed. If this doesn't make you cry, I don't know what will.
@HyeGuneek
YouTube comment
I love this so much that I teared up. I am a US Navy Corpsman. God bless Michael Israel!
@wingschick76
U.S. Navy Corpsman
YouTube comment
AWESOME! I'm a 26-year career firefighter and not much can move me to tears anymore — but this did. Thank you!
@firemanbill1
26-year career firefighter
YouTube comment
This is such a powerful performance. 9/11 was a particularly bad day for my family — it was my mother's birthday. She was from Connecticut and spent a ton of time in the city. I always felt personal about 9/11. This was a huge reason behind my enlistment.
@geoffreycrews5060
YouTube comment
That reminds me of my dad in Iraq — it brings tears to my eyes.
@albertosaurs
YouTube comment
Michael, you are amazing. I grew up in a fire department — both my parents are volunteer firefighters. I know firsthand the sacrifices they've made. The fire department is like another family. Thank you for honoring all the firefighters in this country. God bless you.
@lovedolphin675
Child of two volunteer firefighters
YouTube comment
God bless the FDNY and NYPD. My heart breaks for those who have lost their lives saving others. I still cry every year — for the past 15 years.
@Blessed13-i6l
YouTube comment
That was the most beautiful artwork I have ever seen. It brought tears to my eyes and I thought of Lawrence Villing — a firefighter for the FDNY who lost his life saving people.
@CitizenSoldier84
YouTube comment
As a firefighter myself, I would like to thank you for this tribute. As you may know, 70% of firefighters in the US are volunteers — and it's a simple "thank you" or an awesome tribute like this one that keeps us doing what we do.
@jrk9468
Firefighter
YouTube comment
I never tire of seeing this video — and the live performance is incredible!
@truvalgal
YouTube comment
Seek out his shows and get to one — it's an evening you will never forget. I saw him at Merrimack College and took my wife and both our parents. I introduced Michael to my dad, a WWII vet of the Pacific war. He sat and chatted with my dad for 3 or 4 minutes. My dad is still talking about it.
@croninn
Audience member, Merrimack College
YouTube comment
Michael, I just want you to know that I share this video every time we celebrate our veterans and others who protect us. Thank you for your talent — you are truly amazing.
@pmaxson3707
YouTube comment
As a lifetime New Yorker — thank you! You are amazing! Our FDNY are the best. After 9/11, people would stand outside buildings to applaud firefighters as they left — they deserve that every day. God Bless you and the FDNY!
@kpwpe
Lifetime New Yorker
YouTube comment
As I sit here wiping the tears from my eyes, I have to say that is one of the most moving performances I've seen in a long time. Thank you, Michael — from the bottom of a firefighter's heart.
@k5kowboy
YouTube comment
Awesome work! We never forget — and you, Mr. Michael, huge respect. It's beautiful. God Bless USA!
@BoKjell
YouTube comment
Still makes me cry every time I watch it. God bless all our fallen heroes.
@lisahollingsworth9114
YouTube comment
At first I was confused — I realized it was the American flag, but wasn't sure why. Then I saw the silhouette of the firefighter and got the biggest chill. This is probably the best thing I've seen in a while. Going on year 3 as a firefighter, and without a doubt 9/11 played a major role in my choice to become one.
@matthew2496
YouTube comment
As a wife of a firefighter and mother of a 3-year-old girl, this was very touching. What an incredible tribute to our heroes.
@mlndsy03
Wife of a firefighter, mother of a 3-year-old
YouTube comment
I pray to God this video is never taken down. Since my mom sent it to me in 2011 I have watched it every year. I've sent this to every friend I have and posted it everywhere. I love the music and this style of painting.
@LexitheModerndayHobbitess
YouTube comment
Navy mom here — so proud of him. I hate the war but support the troops! This is amazing! The song makes me cry and the painting touched my heart. Thank you! Peace and love.
@squyres
Navy mom
YouTube comment
We will never forget the 343 firefighters, 23 police officers, 37 Port Authority officers, and the civilians who died that day.
@1f5sda
YouTube comment
As a firefighter and a US military soldier, this video really hits home. Excellent job.
@deedee10011
Firefighter and U.S. Army soldier
YouTube comment
I'm a volunteer fire fighter and I think this is absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing!
@MultiRedneck66
Volunteer firefighter
YouTube comment
My brother was a firefighter who died trying to save those innocent people on 9/11. That was the worst day of my life. He was my role model. He was 25 years old.
@MrShatbag
Brother of an FDNY firefighter lost on 9/11
YouTube comment
As an Iraq vet, all I can say is awesome. I'm also a volunteer fireman so this hits close. Keep up the great work.
@matthewcody
Iraq veteran and volunteer fireman
YouTube comment
Every time I watch this, I am so moved. Thank you… thank you.
@kathymurphy6804
YouTube comment
God bless America and thank you to all the troops who sacrificed their lives for us — and to all active troops and veterans. Without you we would be nobody. I love my country.
@mindhacker20002
YouTube comment
Thank you so much. My brother-in-law was a Fire Chief for many years — he is my hero. We sent him to God in May 2008, and I know God has put him to good use.
@dptcruiser
Family of a Fire Chief
YouTube comment
As a Police Officer and Soldier I'm very proud to put on my uniforms. I must say that I had that same level of pride when I first saw your video. I salute you for your talent and the blessings it bestows on all of us. Thank you!
@nate7702
Police Officer and Soldier
YouTube comment
Amazing — before the fireman is painted in, it looks like the shadow of a soldier.
@maryannd112
YouTube comment
My mom is a paramedic — she's worked for two squads for over 30 years and loves what she does. This is one awesome tribute.
@OperaGhostAngel
Child of a 30-year paramedic
YouTube comment
As a firefighter, this is hard to watch. I always lose it. He is an amazing artist. RIP my brothers.
@earlbrown525
Firefighter
YouTube comment
My dad is a firefighter and I cried when he started to paint the girl in there. I am still crying.
@tiggerbell332
Child of a firefighter
YouTube comment
Thanks Michael! I've watched the video several times and enjoy it more each time. I was starting a shift as a FF/EMT-P when that horrific day began. The country is stronger — but we must never forget!
@jamescrowe1319
Firefighter / EMT-Paramedic
YouTube comment
I just watched this and it blew me away. I can't believe he did this in 7 minutes — but that's not the only thing that amazes me. The fact that it was a firefighter! It was so great I almost cried. I wanted to jump through the screen and tell him he is the greatest person ever!
@kayliecsi
YouTube comment
This video is probably one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I knew it was the American Flag until I saw the silhouette of the firefighter — my heart dropped and I nearly cried. That morning we lost 343 heroes (343 of my brothers) in the WTC. May they never be forgotten.
@tornadoguy2006
YouTube comment
My brother was one of the firefighters during the 9/11 attacks. We lived about 5 miles from New York City — he was called in. Later that day we received a phone call telling us he died. That was the worst day of my life. He was my hero. God bless the U.S.A.
@MrShatbag
Brother of an FDNY firefighter lost on 9/11
YouTube comment
This is by far the best and most beautifully emotional tribute to 9/11. Thank you for letting me see it through your eyes.
@alanmoore4953
YouTube comment
This is incredible — this man is very talented. My dad was a firefighter; I wish he was still around to see this. He would have loved it.
@2zjohnson
Child of a firefighter
YouTube comment
As a former firefighter with a son who now serves as a Firefighter/EMT, that video should be seen by every American who may have forgotten who keeps them safe and alive.
@freeamericausa1
Former firefighter, father of a Firefighter/EMT
YouTube comment
My dad was a retired fireman who died from health issues related to fighting fires in the '50s, '60s and '70s in bitter Michigan winters. His last years were racked with pain, yet he died proud of what he did. He was also a WWII Navy veteran. I didn't know of his service until I came home from Coast Guard Boot Camp.
@pinwizz69
Son of a retired fireman
YouTube comment
In 2001 I was in school. Ten years later I was a medic in Afghanistan. I'm back now, composing for all the veterans and heroes that fight religious extremism. To my brothers in arms — 9/11 heroes, U.S. Army, Canadian Army — I salute you.
@Colosphonium
Combat medic, Afghanistan
YouTube comment
From a firefighter to an inspiration — thank you. When I have a hard scene to deal with or a fatal incident, this video gives me hope and happiness in knowing what we do is appreciated by others.
@paulshipp3556
Firefighter
YouTube comment
My uncle is a firefighter and an EMT — he showed this to me. I think he is amazing. So to all the guys who think this isn't cool — you're anti-American.
@goalymask38
YouTube comment
My brother was one of the firefighters who died to save the innocent during 9/11. He was my hero, my best friend. He was only 25 years old.
@MrShatbag
Brother of an FDNY firefighter lost on 9/11
YouTube comment
I have been a firefighter/EMT/Paramedic for 26 years. This is one of the most moving things I have seen in the form of a tribute to all of my fellow heroes. I would love to meet this man — incredible.
@fyrefighter814
Firefighter / EMT / Paramedic, 26 years
YouTube comment
Man, I cried when I first saw the firefighter figure — it touched my heart. This is the 15th anniversary of 9/11. I respect America with all my heart. Even though we've been through so much, we always pull through. Thank you, Michael Israel.
@darwindiaz3637
YouTube comment
When my dad first watched the video he said, "Oh, it's a soldier in front of a flag," and paid no more heed. I just laughed to myself — because his hat said FDNY.
@angela122345678
YouTube comment
I love this video, Michael — it has so much meaning and honor.
@MsRachelrae15
YouTube comment
God Bless America!
@DoctaM3
YouTube comment
As a firefighter I look for ways to help me deal with what I see. I had a bad call a few months ago — working for over an hour trying to free two people trapped in a car, knowing them since birth. We ended up losing both. I watch this video every time and it makes me feel good about what I do. Keep up the good work, Michael.
@wfr133
Firefighter
YouTube comment
Michael, I'm a retired Fire Lieutenant — 33½ years in the profession. I can't thank you enough for your dedication to all of us. The video is awesome and the music perfectly sets the emotions into high gear. My eyes water whenever I view this. Thanks so much!
@marathonman0697
Retired Fire Lieutenant, 33½ years
YouTube comment
No matter how many times I watch this, it still amazes me.
@hannahbell7667
YouTube comment
Wow. Amazing process. Really breathtaking — I'm so intrigued. Beautiful.
@88jessicalong
YouTube comment
I remember this day very well. It was also the day after my grandfather died — so my grief was double. We will never forget those FDNY firefighters, EMS, NYPD and Port Authority who died doing what they loved. I can attribute my becoming an EMT to the bravery shown by those involved with the rescue effort that day.
@donovanjones405
YouTube comment
I love this! You are a great artist. I never get tired watching this over and over again. Hope to see you perform live one of these days. Thank you for sharing.
@labhe112666
YouTube comment
Definitely one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
@HotdaHeads
YouTube comment
I still lose it when I watch this. Heroes in this country wear a variety of uniforms — some with camo and dog tags, some with helmets and rubber coats, some in scrubs and some with shiny shield badges and blues. Take the time to thank a hero today if you cross one's path.
@kenscocktails
YouTube comment