[Dan]

http://sinepari.soc.mil/News/2008/Se...080916-03.html

Green Berets, FDNY honor fallen hero
Sgt. 1st Class Jennifer K. Yancey
Army Public Affairs

NEW YORK (Sine Pari, Sept. 16, 2008) – Many can remember exactly where they were as the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 unfolded. In the years that followed, they’ve searched for ways to retain the memories and legacies of their loved ones.

But when you come from a family whose rich military background spans nearly a century, the choice seemed very clear.

Fire Marshal Ronald Paul Bucca lived a life of dedicated service. A warrant officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, he served as a member of the elite Special Forces. In 2008, Staff Sgt. Ronald Bucca Jr., too, proudly wears a green beret, and returned to the very site where his father made the ultimate sacrifice seven years ago.

Flanked by fellow Green Berets, relatives and firefighters, Bucca made the long walk to “the Pit” at Ground Zero, to pay tribute to his father. What awaited them there stood a small reflecting pool, laden with roses from fellow mourners who, like Bucca, waited to hear the names of their loved ones.

At St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, many of New York’s Bravest gathered to honor their fallen brothers. Again names are read – one by one – including Ronald Jr., who needed only to hear one name – his father’s.

Bucca enlisted in the Army as a National Guardsman in 2003. His uncle, Al Bucca, swore in the Queens, N.Y., native at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn.

His uncle said “Ronnie’s” decision to enlist was only natural. “It’s in his blood,” the elder Bucca said.

Theirs is a family all-too familiar with service and sacrifice.

“I had a grandfather who was in the Coast Guard in World War II,” Al said.

Another grandfather and uncle served in the Navy – the uncle having served on a destroyer that helped clear Tokyo Harbor. Another uncle, a Marine, fought at Iwo Jima, and a great uncle also served as a Green Beret. Cousins, too, presently serve in the Army and Air Force. The elder Bucca is a retired Army major.

“(Brendan) found out a friend’s son was going through the (Special Forces Qualification) course,” said his wife, Margaret. “It turned out to be Ron Jr.”

The day before graduation, the Soldiers were able to don their green berets; Bucca’s beret held a more personal significance because it once belonged to his father.

Margaret O’Connor said of her husband, “he got pretty misty-eyed.”

About 20 members of Ronnie Sr.’s firehouse traveled from New York to North Carolina for the graduation.

“It’s very poignant,” said O’Connor. “Establishing a relationship with his son means so much.”

With every passing year, every memorial, every reflection, there lies the hope of finding some comfort, a sense of closure. On the day commemorating the worst attacks on U.S. soil, Al Bucca dressed in a shirt bearing a small but notable tribute to his brother:

Fire Marshal FDNY
In Honor
Ronald P. Bucca Sr.
WO1 U.S. Army Reserve
“What it is, is”

Said Al, “You think you’re over it, but it doesn’t get any easier.”

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