The three firemen who raised the flag at ground 0, at the time of September 11th never thought that they would be famous for that one event. They did not do it as a call to fame. In fact they did not even know there was someone taking their picture at the time. They raised that flag as a way of stating their loyalty to the American nation, and to the people of the world trade center. And it is still one of the most famous 9/11 pictures and show of American patriotism. New York was stunned by the events that day, and after 9/11 not one New Yorker was ever the same. Every New Yorker is totally aware of the reign of fire that surrounds the city. Every agent under fire at the time was from New York a city that is known for its people to be unfeeling and self cantered.
Today most people would not call new Yorkers cold and unfeeling. Quite to the contrary, people feel that new Yorkers are strong, feeling and caring people. They may be a little weird but they are great people. More people in the United States even want to visit New York because of what happened on that day. Whereas before many of us were uninterested in New York and new Yorkers.
New York has a new image and aside from fire insurance being a little higher the reign of fire for this state is over. So take some time and go and get to know the brave new Yorkers and their state.