In Memory of George Cain

I came by this site by way of a dollar bill I received with the name George C Cain on it. I looked his name up on the computer and found this site. I cannot began to tell you how sad a day this was and still is, even for someone like me with no ties whatsoever to 9/11. All I know is that when I saw it happening, I felt like I was watching a horror show, and there was nothing I could do about it. George and the others gave their lives for something that hurt a lot of people. They should not be forgotten, but be honored at the utmost highest level. We as people on this here earth should make sure that their legacy be a cornerstone for others to learn from. May god have mercy on us all.

*** Posted by Kent Mitchell on 2010-06-14 ***

I had a friend named George Cain in Fort Worth Texas and was looking him up on Facebook and found this website. I have had tears while reading the wonderful messages sent and wish to express my own. I did not personally know anyone who lost their life in 9-1-1, but I watched in horror as everyone did with the events of that day. May God bless each of these families, their friends and loved ones, and the memories they cherish of these HEROES. May we never have to endure this type of tragedy again.

*** Posted by Judy Fletcher on 2009-10-15 ***

Rosemary,
Just want to say that we are thinking of you and your family, and of course, George, today... you and my husband met in New York several months after the 9/11.. he was working with the Salvation Army and got to talk with you... we have George's picture and pray daily for your family... Thank you for giving the world a hero and thank you for all you do to help us remember what it's all about!
Blessings,
Kimberley Duncan

*** Posted by Kimberley Duncan on 2009-09-11 ***

I just read all of the messages posted by your family and friends sharing their thoughts and feelings with you about your son, George.... What a great legacy to be remembered in this way. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with your family as well.

*** Posted by Gary on 2009-09-09 ***

Even after all this time, whenever I watch a programme about 9/11, I still cry. I may be thousands of miles away, and I don't know your family, but I hope time is healing. I know you will never forget, but I hope you always focus on the happy memories you have.  X

*** Posted by Lynne Vickers (York, UK) on 2009-09-08 ***

Still thinking of you all at this time.

*** Posted by firefighter Wexford Ireland on 2009-09-04 ***

I was a volunteer at the Taj, at Ground Zero, and had the privilege of meeting Rosemary Cain, George’s mom. Although 8 years have passed since that unfathomable day, I cannot help but feel it was just yesterday. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the larger than life magnitude of what had occurred rises up in my present life experiences some days, and it is as vivid as if I were there again. At the same time, the connections, bonds, and friendships that evolved out of that darkness continue to add to my life and enrich me. And every now and again, I experience a nudge from God that reminds me to keep the 9/11 victims and their families in my prayers and thoughts. One such moment that is more recent is that I had the opportunity to order a memorial bracelet to honor a fallen fire fighter, but I did not have the option of selecting a particular person. The bracelet I was sent was that of Charles Mendez from Ladder 7, and when I wear it, it is my way of putting out a blessing to his family and loved ones. So today, when I did a Google search of his name, his company and fellow fallen firefighters came up as well. And just like God, reminding me to whisper a prayer for Rosemary Cain, I found out that Georgie was from the same company as Charles. So, here I am, just showing my respect and my honor to both these beautiful lives cut short, and in particular letting Rosemary know (I know she knows it) that I am thinking of her and that I love her dearly. We will NEVER forget. God bless the families and loved ones of the victims.

*** Posted by Denise Villamia on 2009-06-24 ***

I was the RED ZONE Coordinator, in charge of all relief efforts at Ground Zero when George's body was recovered. I had the privilege and honor of praying with his mother Rosemary, a wonderful woman, who volunteered her time at the Taj Mahal (a relief tent set up for the firefighters, police, and other workers at Ground Zero). I still have a lanyard with George's picture on it.... I will forever honor his memory and be indebted to the last full measure that he paid for our country. God bless you, George! You were a wonderful man!

*** Posted by Daniel Duncan on 2009-06-15 ***

George was my bro: ski buddy, golf partner, a pal. I am proud to have been his friend.

*** Posted by mike o'connor on 2009-06-01 ***

To the Family and Friends of Firefighter George C. Cain:

Hello, there. My name is Chad Bassett, and I am a firefighter for Fairmount Fire Protection District in Golden, Colorado. On September 11, 2008, 342 other firefighters from around the Denver metro area and I participated in an annual stair climb event at the Qwest High Rise in downtown Denver. Each member, wearing the gear they chose, climbed 110 flights of stairs to honor those who lost their lives on September 11. I wore my full bunker gear, SCBA pack, and carried a halogen up the 55 flights of stairs, that we consecutively climbed twice. It was quite an experience, and a great work out, might I add.

You are probably wondering why I am telling you all of this, and what does Mr. George C. Cain have to do with anything of it. Each member participating received a name tag photo of a fallen firefighter, and the photo I received happened to be Firefighter George Cain. The coordinator of this event is a district chief for Denver Fire by the name of David Mcgrail. Before the 343 Firefighters started the stair climb, Mcgrail explained the reasoning behind the name tags, and told us that we would be climbing to represent the particular person we had received from the list. I climbed those stairs as hard as I could, while representing Firefighter Cain around my neck. I felt very proud that day and was honored to wear his name tag.

I read George C. Cain’s biography and was very impressed. What a coincidence it was that he had spent time in Colorado, being that I am a native here. I, too, like skiing, running, fishing, and just being in the outdoors. Colorado was definitely the right place for him to spend time. He sounded like an extraordinary person who was very independent, trustworthy, and very well-loved by his family and crew.

I am honored to have participated in this event, and even more honored to have worn a picture of Firefighter George Cain while climbing the stairs. I hope that someone will read this and get a smile on their face, or even a tear of joy and remembrance.

Thank you,
Chad Bassett
Fairmount Fire Protection District
chadbassett1 (at) comcast (dot) net

*** Posted by Chad Bassett on 2008-09-24 ***

I love and miss you sooo much, Uncle Georgiee! I wish I could see you again and laugh with you again!
love you =]

*** Posted by meaghan on 2008-09-11 ***

I met you Rosemary last October. I am from Ireland and it was a privilege to have met you, I am thinking of you and your family on this sad day. I hope you and the family get through the day without much pain.
All my thoughts are with you
Sharon Quinlivan Co. Clare

*** Posted by sharon Quinlivan on 2008-09-11 ***

To George's mother Rosemary
I remember 9/11, when we worked together at Liberty Mutual.
We could see the WTC from our window burning. I remember you saying that this was George's beat and that he was there. I remember when they said that the buildings collapsed. I remember you frantic and the calls from his sisters about George. I pray for you and your family today, the Lord is right by your side.
Love Joanne Culkin

*** Posted by Joanne Culkin on 2008-09-11 ***

George Cain taught me a huge lesson in life: "Always say what you need to say to someone before its too late to have the opportunity." I saw him the Sunday before 9-11 in the gym, and I wanted to apologize to him for something that happened a few years earlier, but I didn't because I was scared of what he would think of me. I remember thinking, "Oh, I will wait until the next time I see him at the gym," and of course that never happened. I will never forget this, and I have apologized to him in my prayers since 9-11, and I hope he can forgive me. He was a wonderful and kind person with a heart-of-gold, and he will always be that person who taught me the biggest lesson of my life.

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2008-02-04 ***

Following the anniversary of 9/11 George's name was on TV. I wanted to read a little about one of the heroes on what was the worst day in history. My thoughts and prayers, all these years on, are still with the families of those lost. God bless you all.

*** Posted by Paul Bishop (Paramedic, UK) on 2007-09-27 ***

I knew George in school and would see him around town; he always had a great smile. I will never forget him and his bravery, I will make sure my children know all about George Cain. Your family obviously loved you dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to them.

--robert killeen

*** Posted by robert killeen on 2007-09-11 ***

While I never met Georgie Cain personally, I have certainly done so through his loving family. Having met his mom Rosemary and sister Nancy, I feel like I know him through their inner strength---their special ways of the heart.

And I thank God for being such good friends with Georgie's sister Erin as well as his father Danny. I have never befriended two more unforgettable personalities in my life. And so I feel like I see Georgie in their souls, which surely embody his well known, unique spirit.

While I wish I'd walked with their hero personally, simply touching Georgie thru his family is a heartfelt memory I'll always have. He was so unique. I think of Georgie at peace skiing thru the clouds--and I think of his loving family more than they know.

God bless them on this day, 9/11/07, and every day

Bill Butler
Camden Maine

*** Posted by bill butler on 2007-09-11 ***

"Aunt Rosemary",

I haven't seen or spoken to you in quite a while. I'm the youngest of the Florida Frains. I can't possibly express to all of you how sorry I am that you have lived through what you all have over the last 6 years. We are on the eve of the anniversary, and my 10-year-old daughter had a homework assignment today. She was to write a story on who she thought was a true American Hero. I took her to NYC this past June for her 10th Birthday and visited Ground Zero. I cried when I saw George's name, and Meagan asked why.... I told her that I knew George and that he was my cousins' cousin. Well, she didn't get it. She just assumes that all of my cousins are her cousins. So, when she received this homework assignment, she did not hesitate to "Google" his name. That is what brought me to this site.... I just thought that you should know that not only does my daughter, who has never met George, think that he is a TRUE AMERICAN HERO, but the rest of the Florida Frains do as well. Our hearts go out to you and your family in this week before the anniversary of his death. Our thanks go out to a True American Hero! God Bless.

*** Posted by Maureen Whittle on 2007-09-05 ***

He was my mom's cousin's cousin. It was hard going to New York and finding out that he died trying to save so many people. When I went to New York with my mom, we went to the memorial and found his name. I took a picture and circled it, so now we have a picture of his name. Although I had never met him, I know he must have been really brave to go to help. Mom says he was a great dancer. Thank you, George.

*** Posted by Meagan on 2007-09-05 ***

I first saw George when I moved into the house where he used to live. His mass card was in the window overlooking our driveway. I never took it down. It just looked like he was watching over my husband and me. I have had his name in my head for the last 5 years that I have lived here. I have seen his mother on TV. One day, when I was on my way home from getting my hair cut, I pulled into my driveway, and there was a lady there. She was very upset. I asked if I could help her, and she said that her brother used to live here. I knew right away that she must be George's sister. I got out, and we spoke about him for a short time. It was almost the anniversary of 9/11. I offered her to come in, but she declined. I think about their family often, and about George. I do feel like he has watched over us for the past five years that we have lived here, and do feel better knowing that. I only wish that I knew him in life, not just by the photo in the window.

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2007-05-08 ***

Although we never met George, we recently visited the 9/11 site, having come across the Fire Station next door to the area after enjoying a ferry ride back and forth to the Statue of Liberty earlier in the day. We were on vacation visiting New York from Arizona. (The irony of the trip to the Statue of Liberty followed by an unplanned trip to the 9/11 site and the Fire Station next door is interesting)

When we came upon the Fire Station and the small museum next door, someone asked if we were interested in a tour. I wasn't sure if my twin 5 year olds would comprehend the story but thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more so we waited, then were greeted by George's mother who introduced herself. Mrs. Cain was very gracious and did well to articulate her son's life before 9/11 and the events leading up to and after that day. My wife and I were impressed with Mrs. Cain's composure and her effort to help educate our group on the events surrounding 9/11. She was such a strong speaker my twin 5 year old girls didn't flinch, paying full attention for over an hour. It was obvious Mrs. Cain has experienced some healing over the last 5.5 years, but the loss and pain will remain until she is reunited with her son. As we learned about the memorial inside the American Express building ("tear drops") Mrs. Cain approached us and gave me a laminated memorial card in memory of her son which I found humbling and very touching. This card sits on the end table between my daughter's twin beds and we add George Cain to our prayer list every night.

I am amazed how much of Mrs. Cain's story my kids recall and I often ask them to repeat the story of George Cain when friends and relatives visit. I also wish to recognize the volunteer Fire Fighter who accompanied us on the tour with Mrs. Cain (I can't recall his name but I remember his face and story very clearly) for his story was every bit as unforgettable.

George: We never met you but rest assured your mom is doing an incredible job ensuring your short time with us is celebrated and not forgotten.

*** Posted by Jim - Arizona on 2007-03-27 ***

I personally have never met George Cain. But I did meet his mom, back last summer,when Mrs. Cain saw our firetruck from Leesburg, Va drive up to the ground zero memorial site last August '06. That's when I learned more about the sacrifice her son gave that horrible day in '01. Mrs. Cain touched my life by being open and sincere, and to this very day, I wear her son's bracelet on every call, fire, everywhere his memory is carried way down here in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. My roots are in Long Island NY, and here in Virginia. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't say a prayer for all those brave men and women, and especially their families.

*** Posted by CPT. William Firsching SFVFD on 2007-03-02 ***

I lived on the same block as George's fire house and we used to chat that summer before 9-11. I learned that he loved his job and loved life. He truly embraced it while he was here. I didn't know him long but he had a huge impact on my life. I think of him often.

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2006-09-11 ***

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BELOVED FRIEND.ITS HEARTBREAKING THAT I CANT HUG YOU TODAY, HOLD YOU CLOSE OR HEAR YOUR VOICE OUT LOUD. I CLOSE MY EYES GO BACK IN TIME AND YOU ARE HERE BESIDE ME, TELLING ME YOU LOVE ME JUST ONCE MORE. I AM SO VERY GRATEFUL TO HAVE HAD YOU IN MY LIFE, YOU GAVE ME SO MUCH, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST OF ALL THINGS GOOD TO ME.I WILL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS AND EVERYTIME I LOOK AT THE SUN THE MOON AND THE STARS.

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2006-05-13 ***

George Cain would have been 40 this year.  I miss you and I love you.

*** Posted by anonymous on 2006-04-24 ***

George was my baby brother. I called him "Georgie", which he didn't seem to mind, unless I called the firehouse and they paged him over the sound system, then he got embarrassed. But he was a wonderful brother. The best!! George was a wonderful person. A wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend. He loved the outdoors, and was an avid skiier and lived in Telluride, Colorado for about 5 years before coming home to become a NYC firefighter. He loved his job, but loved life and his family more. His laughter was contagious. His spirit and love of nature is something he has passed on to his niece and nephews. He taught them to ski, golf, hike, and love the ocean as well as the mountains. Life is not the same without him. We hold an annual golf outing, with the proceeds to help High Hopes Therapuetic Riding School, in Connecticut. My sister Erin works there as a volunteer. The foundation helps children with the bonding process of horseback riding. It's a wonderful memorial to Georgie. We love and miss him more today than ever. Til we meet again, we go through each day, waiting to hold him and hear his laughter again.. Love you with all my heart Georgie, your sister Nancy xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

*** Posted by George C. Cain on 2005-03-17 ***