(C) 2001 C. D. Barnes. All Rights Reserved

I took this photograph at Liberty Park, New Jersey on May 14, 2001. I thought this was a poignant picture at the time, but I did not know any details. I learned later that the flags were at half staff in honor of a Passaic Firefighter, Albert Tirado, who died while attempting to rescue fire victims on May 9, 2001. The film sat in my camera until it was developed on September 12, 2001. When I saw this image a chill passed through me. The meaning was multiplied many times by the events of September 11, 2001. I have since learned that Albert Tirado left a wife and four children. Please send donations to the Albert Tirado family fund through the Passaic Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Association, Local #13, Eastside Fire Station, 11 Hope Avenue, Passaic, New Jersey, 07055.