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Isabel
September 8, 2021
John, I cannot believe it will be 20 years soon. Gone too soon! You are a Hero to all! You will never be forgotten! Hope to you you one day in Heaven. Rest easy. , Bella
Cindy Roe
September 4, 2021
Remembering John on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Del Newberry
February 17, 2021
Thank you for your service. I pray for special blessings for your family today as I pause to remember you specifically as one of the heroes lost that day. We will never forget. Much love from Texas
Edward Zogg
September 7, 2018
Several years back I adopted John to ride with me in spirit to all 911 memorial events... I also visit his memorial in Emmetsburg each year as a part of the Red Hats memorial ride... May his family and friends know his life and doings will always be honored so long as I draw breath...
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John Collins
September 13, 2017
Being of same name and a firefighter myself. I honor John every year on the anniversary of 9/11 though my social madia. !! #neverforget
Julie Mack
September 12, 2016
I had the honor of hiking with our local firefighter's association in Fallbrook, California to remember those who gave their lives in service to others 15 years ago. I carried John's name and picture. I hope his family knows there are people remembering his sacrifice and honoring his memory.
Bella B.
September 13, 2015
Johnny, You will never be forgotten! May God hold you in his arms and let you see how much you are in everyone's heart and how blessed we were to know you! We cherish all the great memories! Thank your for being so selfless. Always, Bella
Laurel Carter
January 18, 2015
As of tonight and so on forth, I have been assigned and received the honor to represent Fire Fighter John M. Collins, Ladder 25, fellow brother fallen during the tragic 9/11 incident for my fire fighting career until resigned and/or retired. His courage and story inspires me. I will keep a picture in my helmet for Collins protection and guidance. Thank you for your service.
Edward Zogg
September 13, 2014
After searching the entire list, I selected John to be my spirit rider to DC and to Flight 93 memorial... Having read his bio I found he was the same age as I on that day... His name was applied to me helmet as het road around DC and to Flight 93 with me... A true hero this man was...
Clifford Gibbs
September 11, 2014
John, you are in my thoughts and memories today. Your smile still radiated upon those who loved and respected you. Pray for us all here my friend, until we meet again. Fr. Cliff Gibbs FDNY RET. DIV. 2
Brian McNally
October 28, 2011
Dear John, and Mrs Collins (Nancy), You are both in heavan now. I am honored to have known you. God bless you both.
R/Brian McNally
Brian McNally
October 23, 2011
Dear Mr + Mrs Collins,
I used to paly with Johhny all the time when you lived on Albany Crescent. I really looked up to Johnny, he was so much fun and so kind to me to always invite me up to his gandmother's house who lived in my building. Johhny always let me ride his brand new stingray bicycle! I am only now learning of his sacrifice at 9/11. My prayers are with you. Please call if I can be of any help. Sincerely, Brian McNally 718 644-1726
Cindy Evans
August 27, 2011
My brother is a fireman in Smyrna, GA. He participated in a climb in memory of all the firemen who died on Sept. 11. He carried a picture of John with him on the climb. I grieved along with you and others the terrible tragedy of that day. I hope your sadness has mellowed into bittersweet memories. I honor the memory of your dear son, brother, loved one.
Chelsea Habig
September 11, 2009
September 11, 2009
WTC. Ground zero
Vesey-Liberty-Church –West Sts
New York, NY 10038
Dear Mr. Collins
A hero is someone that I think gave their life for someone else. Not only that
but they are caring and nice. They help others when they are in need. Which
you did. You are what I call a hero. I want to thank you for helping the the
victims of the Twin Tower.
I am very thankful for what you did along with others. You gave your own
life to save others. Many people died on September 11. Another thing you did
to help others was, buying groceries for neighbors who were down on their
luck. Again I can’t thank you enough!
You will never be forgotten. Every September 11 we will remember you and
the other many hero’s. Your service is very important.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Habig
April 30, 2009
John, Just thinking about you today and hope you are taking care of my boy!!! Love you!
jay Liakos
May 1, 2008
I think of you every day .
Doug Abraham
October 21, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Eileen Rogan-O'Neill
September 22, 2007
I am keeping John & his wonderful mother in my prayers.
charlie m
September 11, 2007
My friend Mike L. told me he knew John Collins from Immaculata H.S days. He said that John wanted badly to be a firefighter. John was a truly brave and honorable person and I'm sure watches from Heaven everday over his family.
March 9, 2007
Rest in Peace
Kristine
October 23, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Evelyn B
September 14, 2006
Thank you for your bravery and courage. Ww will never forget. God Bless!
P Tabbernor
September 12, 2006
In memory....
Eileen Rogan-O'Neill
September 11, 2006
I am thinking of you & your family today...and will on this day for the rest of my life...we will never forget...God Bless.
Student from St. Mathias
September 11, 2006
Dear Mrs. Ficher/ Collins family,
God Bless John Collins, and God Bless You. He is Happy in Heaven.
Jack and Bobbie Kelly
September 11, 2006
Marty and Nancy
Thinking of you today and your loss of a great son.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
James Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
September 10, 2005
Dear Johnny,
Gone but never forgotten. I think of you often, especially this time of year. Still remembering your sweet smile.
An Old Friend From The Bronx
Phillip James
September 6, 2005
As a serving British Police Officer at the time of 9/11 I was particularly saddened at the loss of life on that day.
Firefighters such as John knew no fear that day, they simply served as only they knew how. Instinctively, bravely and unselfishly.
There is a special place in heaven for those soles who died saving others, it's reserved for only the bravest amongst us here on earth.
I will never forget the lives lost that day. And I will always be proud to say that I too belonged to the same brotherhood that makes up the International Emergancy Services of which John was so proud, Police, Firefighter and Medics.
kimberly pettiford
December 18, 2002
dear collins family,
although i did not know your son, he seemed to be a very honorable man. he is certainly someone to be very proud of. it was very touching for me to read how self-less he was and his life should be an example to all of us left here on earth. thank you so much for giving him to "us".
kimberly
your 'gal pal'
October 21, 2002
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHNNY.
Florie Mulios
September 27, 2002
Dear Johnny: We missed you at the STUMPS reunion July 2002 but we could all feel your presence. Terry & I will never forget you.
An Old Friend
September 27, 2002
Dear Johnny,
I saw this poem the other day and it made me think of you.
God's Warm Embrace
It's truly heaven, where I am,
I feel God's warm embrace...
Loved ones please don't cry for me;
There is beauty in this place.
Life on earth is for a time,
And sorrow may appear...
But words alone cannot explain
The happiness that is here.
Just love each other every day,
And when it's time to die...
God will lift you gently up,
And in his arms you will fly.
I am so sorry that your handsome, kind smile is not here to brighten up this world anymore. I hope if your family reads this poem, it brings them some comfort. You will be in my thoughts and prayers all of my days.
I hope I see you again someday.
your 'gal pal'
September 12, 2002
AAAA, how you BBBB, Johnny CCCC??
I still laugh when I think of your expression that day...
A little note for you:
You lived your life with honor -
your job with courage and pride...
You spoke so open, and so free -
you minded your A's and B's...
When I open my heart and look inside,
its your smiling face I see...
And in my heart
you will always be
the biggest hero to me....
Miss you.
Soar with the angels.
Natalie Barger
September 10, 2002
Dear Collins Family..... Although I live very far from the site of this awful event my heart has ached for all the families that have suffered because of this tragedy. My husband and I are both volunteer fire fighters and I have worn John's Mercy Band every day since right after the attacks. I think of the courage he had and know that if I ever need his help in a fire, he will be there. I just wanted you to know that he hasn't stopped helping others. My prayers are with you all.
Kenny Fitz
September 10, 2002
Dear Johnny,
My Prayers are with you, your Family and friends at this time of remembrance. God Bless us All.
Cheryl Collins
September 10, 2002
Dear Collins Family,
I cannot believe that it has been a year since that horrible day, but it has taken me this long to be able to even look at the names of all the wonderful people who were lost.
I want to express my deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of John, a HERO indeed. You do not know me and I do not know you, but for some reason I was just drawn to browse through the list of names and for some unexplainable reason John's name just popped out at me.
At first I thought all we had in common was our last name of Collins, but there were 3 Collins on the list and John's just spoke to my heart. When I saw that John was a Fireman I thought wow, my grandfather and two uncles were firemen in Chicago. My grandfather and the elder of my uncles are no longer here and I know they have taken your John under their "wings" along with all the other Firemen who have been called home.
Your family is in my prayers at this one year mark. (I don't like to call it an anniversary because those are happy times to me!)
I know tomorrow will be a hard day for you...so I am sending you a hug.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Collins
Buffalo Gap, TX
Beth Michalowski (Murray)
September 6, 2002
As the one year anniversary approaches, my thoughts have turned back to the Collins family. You are truly a remarkable family.
I went to grammar school with John and my brother Joe played basketball with John's brother (Marty). I will continue to pray for you. I know John was an amazing person and that I am sure has given you strength. Heaven was blessed with an angel that day. I know John is watching over you. God Bless you all.
laurie pappas
September 1, 2002
..almost a year has passed, and i still think of John's kind, handsome face almost daily.. his family and the families of all those lost will remain forever in my thoughts and prayers... he IS
smiling, now...
O'Brien Family
August 27, 2002
You are a true hero it is an honor to have known you!! You are missed very much by all your friends on 238th. The Collins family is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Eileen Rogan-O'Neill
July 3, 2002
The Collins Family is in our thoughts and prayers...and always will be. What a great loss. John was lucky to be part of a wonderful family and they were lucky to have him. God Bless.
Peg Frey
April 26, 2002
To John's family and friends,
I am so excited to have had this opportunity to leave a message. I belong to a prayer group where we choose a person, our hero, for which to commit our prayers for a year. We are instructed to meditate on the people and pick one. John is the one which just melted my heart. He has that special Irish sparkle in his eyes. Upon further research I read of his organizing abilities for the family summer vacation and his care of others while he was on this Earth. Thank you John for having such a heart. Mom and Dad Collins, thanks for raising such a caring son. Please know that John is with you each and everyday and his legend lives on.
Thank you also to legacy.com for allowing me this opportunity to express that which has been in my heart since "meeting" John.
Peace and love to all of you.
Peig of Ireland
Angie Campbell
April 23, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Fred Kiesche
March 25, 2002
Greetings:
I was downtown in NYC on 9/11 and have had to go back to work there since then. While I had many experiences then, they are nothing compared to those that the rescue workers who responded went through.
John's parents are members of the parish I belong to, St. Matthias. I attended both the memorial and the funeral services. It was the least that we could do (my three-year-old is now enamored of men in uniform).
Fred Kiesche
Liz (Sarcich) Kiesche (former elementary school classmate of John's)
Laura Elizabeth Kiesche
Leanne Scire
March 24, 2002
My dad just came back tonight from John's funeral service. He is a firefighter in Nashua, NH. A bunch of them decided to go and give prayer to John- although they did not know him personally. It's so sad reading of all the people who were lost saving people's lives on 9/11. I pray for all those who are lost and for the families. Peace be with you- God Bless.
JOHN POWELL
March 19, 2002
I SHOULD START BY SAYING THAT IAM A PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS CALLED TO DUTY ON SEPT. 11TH HOURS PRIOR TO MY NORMAL REPORTING TIME BUT AS WE ALL NOW THAT WAS NO NORMAL DAY. I WATCHED THE NEWS COVERAGE AS ALL DID AND FOUND MYSELF PRAYING ALMOST OUT LOUD. WHILE IAM A CATHOLIC I CANNOT SAY THAT I DO MUCH PRACTICING. IN THE DAYS AND LONG SHIFTS AFTER SEPT. 11TH I FOUND MYSELF AT THE FRONT OF ST. CECILIA'S CHURCH THAT I NORMALLY ONLY SEE ON CHRISTMAS AND EASTER YET NOW IT SEEMED A MOST APPROPRIATE PLACE TO SPEND SOME TIME. OUTSIDE PARISHONERS WERE SELLING PATCHES FOR A QUILT TO REMEMBER THE VICTIMS OF THE TWIN TOWERS TRAGEDY. ON EACH PATCH WAS THE NAME OFA VICTIM THAT YOU WERE ASKED TO PRAY FOR. THE GIRL SELLING THEM NOTICED THE NYPD T-SHIRT I WAS WEARING AND KNEW I WAS GOING TO ASK FOR A POLCE OR FIREMAN UNFORTUNATELY SHE SAID IT WAS THE LUCK OF THE DRAW SO I TOOK MY GAMBLE. I DREW JOHN COLLINS AND WAS GRATEFUL TO HAVE A FELLOW IRISHMAN AND THAT WE SHARED OUR FIRST NAME BUT IT WAS DAYS LATER THAT I WAS TO FIND OUT THAT HE WAS IN FACT A NY FIREMAN. PRAYERS CAME MORE FREQUENTLY NOT JUST FOR JOHN BUT FOR ALL THE VICTIMS AND FOR OUR COUNTRY AS A WHOLE. IT IS ONLY NOW THAT I FIND OUT JOHN WAS ALSO A POLICEMAN. YESTERDAY WAS ST. PATRICK'S DAY AND I PARTICIPATED IN PHILA'S PARADE IN OUR POLICE AND FIRE PIPE AND DRUM BAND. WE WERE HONORED TO HAVE EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE NYPD AND FDNY ALONG WITH US. THESE BRAVE MEN MADE US PROUD TO DO WHAT WE DO AS PUBLIC SERVANTS. ON THIS SPECIAL DAY FOR THE IRISH I REFLECTED JUST A LITTLE AFTER SIX MONTHS HAS PASSED AND DRANK A SILENT TOAST TO MY FAVORITE NEW YORK FIREMAN THAT I NEVER EVEN MET. JOHN COLLINS IS JUST ONE OF MANY MANY HEROES OF THAT DAY AND FOR THAT I CAN NEVER THANK THEM ENOUGH. ALTHOUGH THEIR FLESH AND BLOOD MAY HAVE LEFT THIS EARTH THEIR MEMORIES WILL LIVE FOREVER IN THE HEARTS OF US ALL AND EVERY TIME A PERSON IS SAVED FROM THE SNARES OF DEATH BY THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN OF OUR POLICE AND FIRE DEPTS. WE WILL REMEMBER THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES SO THAT THE REST OF US MAY LIVE IN SAFETY. GOD BLESS THE FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, THE VICTIMS, THE WORKERS, AND FINALLY GOD BLESS AMERICA!
kathy goode
March 13, 2002
GOD BLESS YOU JOHNNY &
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.
I HOLD YOU IN MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS DAY AND NIGHT.
Kevin White
March 12, 2002
I purchased a bracelet that bears the name FF John Collins Ladder 25.I obtained it on March 11, 2002 at the Engine 10/Ladder 10 Firehouse next to Ground Zero on the evening of the Tribute of Light. I will wear this bracelet as reminder and I will Never Forget.
Miguel Morales
March 11, 2002
Words cannot express our gratitude and love far more in which you have given to our family. John, you are truly loved and care for always. Rest in peace, We will always remember you John, Mike and Linda.
March 7, 2002
To the Collins family:
I went to college with Eileen. Although I never met John, and it has been years since I have seen Eileen, wanted you all to know you have been in my thoughts and in my prayers these past six months.
Judy
February 24, 2002
Dear John,
I never met you, but there were many brave heroes I never got to meet who perished on September 11. That is truly my great loss.
You were a hero on earth and now you are joined with God in the firefighting department as an Angel in Heaven.
Maybe God needed 343 fighters to fight the fires of evil. With their help, those fires will be extinguished without a doubt!
I am sorry your family and friends have to continued on with their lives without you. You are in a better place than we are, so put a block of wood in the doorway in Heaven and one day, your loved ones and fellow firefighters will be reunited with you, again!
Christina Mullarkey
February 1, 2002
Mrs. Collins,
I am a friend of your brother, Frank, for many years. On 9/11, I was working at the WTC. Your son and other firefighters saved my life. I will never forget the look in their eyes as they climbed the stairs to help people. May God give you and your family the strength to go on.
Donna Waugh
January 25, 2002
I work 10 blocks north of ground zero and as I walked up the Westside Highway on 9/11, I saw John heading down on his truck. He, like many of the other fireman looked concerned but not afraid. Though we grew apart, you will always have a special place in my heart and my mind and I know you will not be forgotten. You touched a lot of lives. God Bless you and your family...My prayers go out to all of you.
Susan Varela
January 23, 2002
I knew and worked with John's father many years ago. My sincere condolences to the family. Knowing the father, the children must all be special.
Our prayers and tributes go out to you.
Teresa Jahn
January 5, 2002
We are extremely sorry for our nation's loss of John. We thank him for protecting, saving, and caring for others first as a police officer than as a firefighter. Such professions come with a brave, warm and caring heart. May John's courage, strength, life and love live on in those who love him and in those who have been touched by his life. May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by golden memories of times shared with John. Our hearts cry deeply with you in America's loss of a hero.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
John Callen
January 5, 2002
God bless you John. May your family draw strength from your herosim.
December 31, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS YOU JOHN COLLINS AND'
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND
HIS ANGELS...GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY
AND FRIENDS...GOD BLESS AMERICA AND
MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Diana Pitts
December 29, 2001
Although I never met John, I am proud to wear his name on my Mercy Band. I wish peace to his family and friends. If anyone would like to share information about him, please do. I'd like to know more about him. It would mean alot to me.
Nancy Collins
December 29, 2001
To The Collins Family - I will wear John's name on my mercy band since my husband's name is also John Collins, and we will pray for you every day. Thank you John, for your ultimate sacrifice and God Bless all of you with peace.
Kenny Fitz
December 11, 2001
Johnny,
You are a Brave and couragious friend who will be dearly missed by so many. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Sheila
November 30, 2001
I just read your posts about the name bands and what a beautiful tribute to Johnny. Johnny was quite a character, I wish you could have known him! I'm sure many people will be interested in the bands. I will email you. Thanks again...
Joyce Mason
November 28, 2001
I, too, am wearing John Collins' name on my mercy BAND (Bearing Another's Name Daily). Let me know if you would like a band of John - the minister's wife that started the bands is here in Albuquerque. It's similar to the POW/MIA bands. I think of and pray for your family daily. My ex-husband was a fireman and that's why I chose a fireman's band to wear. I hope you have many friends and family to support you and please know that the whole country supports you and grieves with you. Please feel free to write back if you'd like or let me know if you'd like John's band - I'll get you one. Bless your family and John's friends and know you are not alone.
Nancy Unruh
November 26, 2001
To the Collins Family:
I can only imagine how you must feel. I am a wife and mother of 2 fire fighters and I pray every call they go to. I want you to know that I wear Johns name on my wrist on a bracelet called a Mercy Band and I pray for your family every day. God Bless You. If you want to write back, I would love to hear from you.
Love, Nancy
Nancy Unruh
November 26, 2001
John:
I never knew you, but in my heart you are a true hero and I am sure you have a special place in heaven right next to God along with all of your other brother and sister emergency personel. My prayers are with you every day and your name I carry on my wrist on my Mercy Band. God Bless You!
Lorraine Perrone
November 25, 2001
John,
We didn't know each other very well, but I will always remember what you did for us. You are a true hero.
Lorraine
keith pascocello
November 19, 2001
johnny
i'll always remember what you said to me after i left the police dept.
thanks for saying what you said that day.
Nora Staller
November 15, 2001
I had a dream about Johnny last night and in it he was smiling. It was nice to see him again. God Bless you Johnny. You're a true hero and I'm proud to have known you.
Jeannine LeBow
November 12, 2001
Johnny,
Although I didn't see you that often, I considered you a friend. Now you have joined my brother in heaven and become one of my Guardian Angels. Miss You
Amy Wilson Flannery
November 11, 2001
Dear Mrs. Collins (John's mother),
I met you on 77th Street shortly after Sept 11th. My husband and I stopped by to pay our condolences and we were so honored to meet you. We were so impressed by your family's strength and by your pride in your son. He is a true hero. Please know that we continue to keep your family in our daily thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Amy Wilson Flannery
11/10/01
The Van Dorans
November 11, 2001
Johnny you are a true hero that will be sorely missed.
Kenny Fitz
November 10, 2001
Johnny, You are a true Patriot, a great friend, It's an honor to know you. Take care.
Kenny Fitz
Showing 1 - 71 of 71 results
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