September 11, 2024 marks the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks, (9/11/2001), in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.  It is a day to remember our heroes, those who have sacrificed their lives in the aid and defense of others.  My brother, Dayne Clark, was one such hero.  Though Dayne dearly wanted to serve in the military, he wasn’t able to due to a disability.   His desire to make a difference and help others prevailed and he found The American Red Cross  which gave him a home and a purpose.

The culminating experience of Dayne’s life was having the opportunity to serve at Ground Zero, just days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  Though his involvement there was more physically and emotionally taxing than he ever could have imagined, serving in such an important effort proved to be the most important experience of his life time.  During his weeks volunteering there, Dayne was exposed to the dust and debris left in the air after the Twin Towers fell.   Hidden in that dark and dusty air were carcinogenic particles and chemicals–asbestos, fiberglass, mercury, and benzene, among others.   A short time after his service in New York City, Dayne developed a chronic illness.  Though he was suffering in varying degrees of pain with a mysterious ailment, he continued to volunteer and travel to where he was needed.  His illness was finally diagnosed as he was struggling through late stages of cancer.  Dayne sacrificed his life in service to others and he wouldn’t have had it any other way.  William Dayne Clark died a hero.

To all of our hero’s, THANK YOU.