The Salvation Army was founded in London, England, in 1865 by William Booth. It is now an international organization with divisions in 100 countries throughout the world. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.


REPORT TO COMMUNITY ON THE SALVATION ARMY, EMPIRE STATE DIVISION'S GROUND ZERO ACTIVITIES


Like the mythical phoenix which rose from the ashes, heroes were born on that bright mid-September morning. They came to search for lives. Equipped with buckets and gloves, they plucked the rubble one brick at a time, one beam at a time, fearing to disturb the integrity of any pocket where survivors might be found.

At their heels came the “angels” (as the rescue workers called them) who soothed their wounds, washed their feet and comforted their souls. Within minutes of the disaster, as the police, firemen and ironworkers were beginning recovery efforts, The Salvation Army’s team from the Greater New York Area was already there – at the “hot zone.”

Hours later Salvation Army officers and soldiers, staff and volunteers responded from every corner of the Empire State Division and beyond – Albany, Amsterdam, Auburn, Binghamton, Buffalo, Cortland, Elmira, Glens Falls, Gloversville, Hornell, Hudson, Jamestown, Lockport, Malone, Massena, Niagara Falls, Plattsburgh, Olean, Oneonta, Oswego, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, Sayre, Schenectady, Syracuse, Tonawanda, Troy, Utica, Watertown, Wellsville. They brought with them mobile canteens, their counseling skills, and the desire to help. God would provide for anything else they would need.

These are the stories they could share. There are others they hold in their hearts – too difficult or too personal to tell.



A Salvation Army volunteer approached an emergency worker, “You’re our heroes.” The worker wouldn’t accept the title. “No, you’re OUR heroes,” he retorted. After some bantering back and forth, the worker conceded, “If we’re the heroes, then you’re our angels.”

Where are the words to console the thousands whose lives have been upturned by the most devastating single event in the history of the United States?

In this special report, we hope you’ll find reassurance that even such heinous acts only serve to bring out the greatness of people. We feel compelled to share moving stories of hope, kindness, and sacrifice, which Salvation Army volunteers from the Empire State Division saw first-hand at Ground Zero and at our command post in Albany.

We hope these stories uplift you, and give you hope during these unsettling times. Perhaps, you will be inspired to reach out into your own communities, to help where opportunity presents itself.

May God bless you and keep you safe in His loving arms.



 “The hunger was palpable – both physically and spiritually” in this sea of noise. “The constant roar of large machines, vehicles crawling with people doing very important things – medical personnel, engineers, welders, 100 government and social service agencies at work – ‘awesome’ in its immensity. We encountered courage and determination, and a willingness to be used up – firefighters and welders whose devotion to their task is humbling.”
Then, one day, while riding his Gator through this incessant noise, Major Randall Davis of Jamestown felt the dust landing on his body. And he realized... “these ashes contain human remains. I felt an overwhelming sense of loss and grief. I felt the presence of all those people who lost their lives ... and God’s spirit at work.”