Today, the nation paused to somberly pay tribute to all those who tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The anguish that Americans experienced on that grim day will never completely fade. Yet each person who is gone because of what took place on that date is still deeply cherished forever.
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It seems as if that was the spirit in which country star Megan Moroney honored her precious uncle, Dennis Moroney. He was among the casualties on September 11. Via the singer's Instagram Stories, a photograph depicts Dennis's name inscribed on the ledge surrounding the reflecting pool where the World Trade Center's North Tower formerly stood. A single white blossom is atop his engraved name.
The Star Has Also Remembered Her Uncle in a Moving Song, "Heaven By Noon"
The song, on the Am I Okay? album, is a co-write by Moroney, Matt Jenkins, and Jessie Jo Dilon. Its lyrics come from someone yearning for a very special person. They would have said much more to that cherished individual, had they only known how little time there was remaining.
Per Holler via Today's Country Radio from Apple Music, Moroney said, "A lot of people don't know this, but my uncle died on 9/11, so I thought about my aunt when I was writing that song because... the last thing they talked about was an oil change. And so that's probably not what she would've said, wanted to say to him if she knew it was going to be the last time... It's definitely a heart wrenching song, and I hope that it helps."
Dennis Worked in the WTC's North Tower
Dennis was an executive at a firm called Cantor Fitzgerald on the 101st floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower in New York. There was no way down to the ground level after the building was struck by hijacked American Airlines Flight 11. Almost 700 employees from Cantor Fitzgerald perished. Sadly, Dennis Moroney, 39, was one of them. Per the outlet, there is an affectionate and detailed remembrance of Megan's late uncle on
Facebook.He Was a Loving "Family Man"
The post about Dennis Moroney is long and detailed. Next to it is a small photo of him surrounded by a wide black border. A native New Yorker, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy. They had 16 years together as husband and wife and were parents to two youngsters, Elizabeth and Timothy.
"Dennis was a devoted husband and father who loved spending time with his family. His wife, Nancy, said, 'He was a family man if there ever was one.'"
Dennis Moroney Planned a Big Get-Together for His 40th Birthday
He would have turned 40 on November 7, 2001. The post mentioned, "Dennis was greatly looking forward to his 40th birthday in November and planned a big party with all their friends from Eastchester and from Cantor Fitzgerald. Dennis and Nancy had been planning it since the summer and we're [were] going to have invitations go out on October 1st."
Fierce Determination to Always Remember Megan's Uncle
This tender Facebook homage to Megan's Uncle Dennis ends poignantly. "Though his life was sadly cut short on September 11th, Dennis's loving spirit lives on forever in the hearts and memories of his loved ones and through all who continue to remember him. He will never be forgotten."
The FB post concludes, "Happy heavenly birthday, WE WILL NEVER FORGET." A red heart emoji is there, too.
Many people left comments that echoed those two sorrowful words: "Never forget."
