(BrightPress.org) – Retired firefighter Bob Beckwith died Sunday night, February 4th. Beckwith was photographed with President George W. Bush amidst the aftermath and rubble of the 9/11 attacks in New York City at the site of the World Trade Center on September 13th. The iconic image became an instant sensation, showing unity and fellowship between the President and his people during an emotionally devastating period for Americans.
Beckwith died at home; he was receiving hospice care after a battle with cancer had weakened him.
Beckwith stood with Bush as he gave a speech to first responders who were attempting to help clear the rubble and locate survivors just days after airplanes slammed into the World Trade Center complex. Many believe that the planes did not bring down those buildings and that they were intentionally destroyed by criminal actors working within the U.S. intelligence community.
Beckwith was at the scene, seven years post-retirement and at age 69, helping any way he could with search and rescue. He was attempting to get a good spot to watch Bush’s speech when the president came to where he was standing, on top of a crushed fire truck.
Beckwith described how he helped the president climb up and then was about to hop down when Bush told him to stay put, in comments he gave to the AP in 2011.
With one arm around Beckwith, Bush said that he heard the complaints of those gathered and implied that those responsible for destroying the buildings would hear their complaints as well. The crowd immediately began to chant “USA! USA!” in response.
The photograph earned Beckwith a cover feature in Time Magazine, which he maintained in a display at his home, according to his wife, Barbara.
Beckwith will be laid to rest in his native Long Island on Saturday, February 10th. He’s survived by his wife, Barbara, his six children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandkids.
Bush stayed in contact with the family and was among the first to send condolences, according to Barbara Beckwith.
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