Never Forgotten: Joseph J. Pycior, Jr.

Twelve days from today marks twenty-five years since September 11, 2001.  A quarter century has passed since that terrible Tuesday morning. It is the duty of the living to remember those killed that day. It is the duty of the living to make sure that the stories of their lives continue to echo through the years. It is the duty of the living to ensure those who were murdered that day are never forgotten. 

Joseph J. Pycior, Jr., thirty-nine years old, spent approximately half of his life serving this nation as a member of the United States Navy.  He served on the aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, and was a veteran of Desert Storm.  For him, the United States Navy was the family business. His uncle, his father, and his grandfather were all Navy veterans.   

On the morning of September 11, 2001, he was working at the Pentagon. He was an Aviation Warfare Systems Operator, First Class.  His Navy career was nearing its end.  He was just months away from retirement, at which time he was ready to begin his new career teaching history to middle school students. He and his wife, Terri, had two sons, Joseph, III, and Robbie. 

Forever thirty-nine.  Forever loved.  Forever appreciated. 

-AK