"The hero is the one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark
streets of life for men to see by. The saint is the man who walks through the dark paths of the world,
himself a light."
--Felix Adler 

I am the Paramedic.
Don't cry for me.
I gave my life so that others may live.
I am eager to help my fellow man.
Life is precious.
I fight to preserve life.
Always ready to respond,
I serve without regret

We are innocent victims.
Don't cry for us.
We are in a better place now;
A place without war, hunger, and hatred,
A place where race doesn't matter.
We are all here-
The firemen, policemen, and EMT's.
We smile down on you.
In the face of danger, you have pulled together to help your fellow man.
You make us proud.
America will prevail.

To all of the men and women who have given of themselves in the rescue efforts. You are not merely heroes. 

Photos courtesy of  USA Today
(By Thomas E. Franklin, The Record) 
(By Gary Hershorn, Reuters)