Anti-Apathy

         Passion is a powerful emotion. Not everyone experiences it, and even the ones that do may find it hard to keep. Passion may be found in many different things like sports, academics, hobbies, and jobs. Some jobs require passion. An example of such an occupation, described in Pete Hamill’s “Band of Brothers,” is firefighting. In this essay he paints a picture full of passion and dedication that can be used as a tool for self development.
         The phrase, “It seemed that they were always laughing,” was repeated in the first four paragraphs of Hamill’s essay. Their laughter gives them a sense of care-free living and a genuinely happy life. The repetitiveness enforces the idea that these men and women were happy with their career choice despite the obvious drawbacks such as physical or emotional injury to themselves or friends. Laughter gave the feeling of comradery. Despite the inevitable future, their audible smiles still resound today through the words and memories of those like Hamill who will never forget.
         The firefighters should not be forgotten. They chose their passion, lived for it, and died for it. They were completely content in everything they did. When the city was calm, simple loveliness caught their eyes and they would quietly watch. They admired beauty because “their craft so often took them into horror.” Acceptance came easily; their only mission was to “save human life.” In the process of risking their own existence, that is exactly what they did. When the call came in, they did not hesitate to climb into that truck and enter a building people were trying to escape from. They did their duty; this sense of duty was personal and came from within.
         Hamill concludes his essay by referring back to the laughter. Here it is used as a symbol of their willingness to believe and sacrifice themselves to their passion. They died so that others could live. Accepting their place in the horrific incident, they embraced the chance to practice their “craft.” It was the life they chose. It was a life they loved to live. Their emotion flows out with their laughter and envelopes all involved.
         “Band of Brothers” is an essay about the terrorism of 9/11 but an underlying theme is a sense of purpose. Hamill describes these men with dedicated minds who pursue their dreams, their sense of duty, until they can no longer accomplish anything themselves. In this incident, these men died but their dreams and sense of duty continue on in the lives of the ones left behind. Hamill explains to his audience the importance of honoring and respecting them.
         This essay is a narrative but also a tool of inspiration to find an individual passion and pursue it. He describes the personal fulfillment these men and women have with their lives and persuades his audience to find something similar for theirs. He gives a perfect example of letting powerful emotions run through the mind while allowing powerful things to happen outside the body. The sense of accomplishment feeds the passion and the cycle continues and brings a sense of accomplishment within the individual.
         The firefighters that lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks will forever be remembered for their bravery and selflessness. Because of their passion to save human life, they have become heroes. We can not forget what they gave of themselves and in return, we should look inside our own minds and let our passions into the world. Who knows what good the outcome will bring?