We Will Remember Them

by
posted on August 27, 2019
willrem.jpg

On Sept. 11, 2001, Americans watched in horror as first one airliner, then another, crashed into the Twin Towers. First responders rushed to the scene, putting their own lives in danger to save others. There are many stories of courage from that dark day, but two recovered firearms from heroes who were there help tell us of the men who carried them.

Walter Weaver was an NRA member, and, as part of New York City Police Department’s Emergency Services Truck No. 3, he was one of the first to arrive at the World Trade Center. His stainless steel Smith & Wesson J-frame back-up was on him as the 30-year-old officer struggled to rescue those trapped in an elevator in the South Tower. Found later in the rubble, the gun was donated to the NRA National Firearms Museum by his family.

Working nearby was Weaver’s friend, Sgt. John D’Allara, an 18-year NYPD veteran with Squad 2 of the Emergency Services Unit. With D’Allara was his S&W Model 5946 in 9 mm Luger. As the World Trade Center fell, D’Allara was one of the 71 law enforcement officers, along with 343 members of the New York City Fire Department—as well as more than 2,800 other Americans—who perished that day. His 5946, recovered from the rubble next to his body, is on loan to the NRA National Firearms Museum from his family.

These two warped and twisted firearms offer mute testimony to the shared courage of these two officers, men who gave their lives helping others during a terrorist attack that forever changed our nation. These two hallowed handguns remind us of their sacrifice and that freedom is not free.

The NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Va., the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum at Bass Pro Shops In Springfield, Mo., and the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, N.M., offer the opportunity to learn the story of firearms, freedom and the American experience. nramuseums.com

Latest

Century BFT 01
Century BFT 01

New For 2024: Century Arms BFT74 & BFT556

Century Arms expanded its AK-style BFT rifle line in 2024 with two new models chambered for 5.56 NATO and 5.45x39 mm, respectively.

Preview: Armaspec SRS AR-15 Kit

This Armaspec upgrade to the AR-15’s standard buffer and spring includes a trio of interchangeable buffer weights that allow the user to tune it to his or her rifle/load.

Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Exclusive KelTec KS7

Join American Rifleman staff on the range this week with a unique version of KelTec's KS7 bullpup shotgun.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 1, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Hydra Weaponry Expands To New Facility

Hydra Weaponry—the designer and manufacturer of the modular Marck-15 Hydra Weapon System and Maine’s largest firearm employer—has expanded into a larger facility.

Review: Bushmaster M4A2 Patrolman's Carbine

The M4A2 Patrolman’s Carbine from Bushmaster Firearms is the first in a line of AR-15s designed to bring back the standard, carbine-length firearms that have long been a staple of American shooting enthusiasts.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.