New York, New York
'Can't You Ever Say No?'
Vaswald Hall would leave home at 6 a.m. and put in a 12-hour day delivering packages, a job that often took him to the World Trade Center. Despite the long hours, he was the one who usually made dinner for the family, preparing oxtail, curried chicken or other dishes from his native Jamaica.
On weekends, when one of his neighbors in St. Albans, Queens, needed help hauling boxes, Mr. Hall, 50, would turn off the stove and run out the door. "My mom would say, 'Can't you ever say no'?" said his stepdaughter, Jacqulyn McNally. "We had a problem with it because it's not in our nature. He never had a problem with it."
A police officer in Jamaica, Mr. Hall came to this country 17 years ago. He had been making plans to switch jobs and had recently passed the Civil Service exam with high marks. Mr. Hall, who left behind four children in Jamaica, was particularly attached to Ryan, 6, the grandson of his wife, Beverly. "Ryan says that Grandpa was his special friend, his best buddy in the whole world," Ms. McNally said.
I think of Vaswald regularly, including today. I didn't know him, but helped him over the phone with a payroll issue in the week leading up to 9/11. He is the only person I knew that died in the attacks and I did everything I could to help afterward.
Despite the time that has passed, his family continues to be in my prayers.
Michael Bailey
September 11, 2024 | Schenectady, NY | Acquaintance
In 2011, for the tenth anniversary of 9/11, my wife and I selected the flag honoring Vaswald George Hall from field of 3000 flags at the West Michigan Healing Field Memorial in Rockford, Michigan. From his personal information provided to us, we learned what a wonderful family man he was. We wish that we had been able to meet him. Since that tenth anniversary, we have proudly flown his flag in front of our house on every 9/11 and each flag flying US holiday. Vaswald Hall's flag will be...
Jim & Kathy Benjamin
September 07, 2021 | Grand Rapids, MI, MI | Friend
For all who add these comforting words to Vaswald guest book be bless every day. Mr Hall was a wonderful person and he is sadly missed
Ilone
September 12, 2014 | Brooklyn, NY
We honor Vaswald every day we put our our flag for patriotic occasions, but especially on September 11. His name and story are attached to the flag. May he, and all those lost forever be remembered and loved.
September 12, 2014
Dearest Vaswald - although we never met you in person we know you were a loving, kind and gentle man with a beautiful bride, Beverly. You are missed every day and you will never be forgotten. Love from all the Baileys xxx
Anne Bailey
September 11, 2014 | Covington, LA
As I heard the reading of your name this day 9-11-2013 I remember the good old days coming to your house on July 4th to enjoy that jerk chicken. You will never be forgotten Hall.
September 11, 2013
Remembered By
bushra Adams
April 03, 2012 | Kh
The West Michigan Healing Field Project on 9/11/11 planted over 3000 flags on ar area hill. Each flag represented one of the victims of 9/11. Residents were able to pick and purchase flags, and we chose Vaswald's flag and will proudly display it at our home, also making it Mr. Hall's home. We are learning more about who Vaswald was and about his friends and family. We will be able to tell guests about his flag and, more importantly, about who he was.
James and Kathy
September 24, 2011 | Grand Rapids, MI
Brother Hall,You are gone but you will N.E.V.E.R be forgotten. You were truly a man after God's own heart. We love you and miss you.
suzzette lewis
September 09, 2011 | NY
