Helmet Symbolizes Resiliency Following 9/11

Bob Beckwith’s black and red helmet is on display at the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s historical exhibition. The number 164 is on a patch on the front of the helmet.
Bob Beckwith's helmet is on display in the Museum's historical exhibition. (Photo: Amy Dreher)

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, retired FDNY firefighter Bob Beckwith wore this helmet as he volunteered in search efforts at Ground Zero.

Several media outlets have recounted his story: On Sept. 14, 2001, Beckwith stood atop a pile of wreckage next to U.S. President George W. Bush, who was visiting the site. Bush put his arm around Beckwith as he addressed rescue and recovery workers.

When one worker told Bush that he could not hear what he was saying, Bush used a bullhorn and said: “I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!”

The Beckwith family donated the helmet to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum collection. It is on display in the historical exhibition.

By Jordan Friedman, 9/11 Memorial Research and Digital Projects Associate

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