PHOTO: Local Kids Honor Uncle Lost on 9/11

When New York City Fire Department Captain William Burke died in the North Tower after it came crashing down on 9/11, Port Jefferson siblings, Kyleen, James and Brannon (not pictured) Burke lost their uncle. The family is constantly reminded of William’s sacrifice because almost every single day since then there is something about the Twin Towers attack and its aftermath in the news.

“It’s always in your face,” , who is William’s brother. “There is always something about it.”

William was a 20-year veteran of the fire department and captain of Engine 21 in midtown Manhattan located on 40th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues when he died. While it’s certainly true that he died heroically, it’s also true that he lived a life dedicated to service. William also spent 20 years as a lifeguard at Robert Moses beach on Field 3, where a memorial will be held this year to celebrate his life as well as mark the tenth anniversary of his death.

The Burke siblings continue to honor their uncle by visiting Ground Zero and by assembling photographs with their father to place in the memorial for him at Robert Moses.