I’m sipping my coffee, watching the news, and I come across this story about Arnold Roma and his son Keith. It’s a tale of loss, bravery, and the search for answers. Roma, a nurse and volunteer firefighter, received a phone call from his son Keith, a 27-year-old New York Fire Patrolman, on the morning of September 11, 2001. Keith told his father that a plane had hit the World Trade Center, and Roma, being the dedicated father and firefighter that he is, rushed to the scene to help.
As I read on, I learn that Roma arrived at the World Trade Center while both towers were still standing, and he was tasked with setting up a triage area in the South Tower. He looked around for his son, but all he saw were black FDNY helmets, not the red helmets worn by the New York Fire Patrol. Little did he know, this would become a significant distinction in the days to come.
Roma’s story is one of tragedy and perseverance. He spent 104 days searching for his son, digging through the rubble, and eventually found him on Christmas Eve 2001. But even in death, Keith’s story was not fully recognized. The FDNY counted its dead, and Keith was not included in the number 343, which has become synonymous with the heroism of the FDNY on 9/11.
As I finish my coffee, I’m left with a sense of sadness and frustration. Roma’s fight for recognition for his son’s sacrifice is a powerful reminder that even in the face of tragedy, there is always more to the story. The number 343 has become a symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of the FDNY, but for Roma, it’s a painful reminder of what his son gave, and what was not fully acknowledged.
In the end, Roma’s story is one of love, loss, and the enduring power of a father’s love. As he continues to fight for recognition for his son’s heroism, I’m reminded that sometimes, it’s the smallest details that can make the biggest difference. And so, I’ll take a moment to appreciate the bravery and sacrifice of Keith Roma, and the countless others who gave their lives on that fateful day.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
