The Man in the Red Bandana

Some time ago I had ESPN on the TV while I was doing other things. It was interesting background noise, but then I heard the name of Nyack N.Y., my hometown, mentioned. As my head jerked up and the TV got 100% of my attention, I heard the story of Welles Crowther who grew up in Nyack. 

When Welles was a youngster his dad gave him a red bandana and told him to always carry it with him. As Welles grew up he faithfully adhered to his dad's admonition. This carried over to the ice while playing hockey and the field while playing lacrosse. Welles became famous for his simple but unique identifier. While in high school Welles decided he wanted to give back to the community and he joined the local volunteer fire dept. In small communities like Nyack volunteers cover all the fire fighting needs. He learned his lessons well. When Welles went off to Boston College, so did the red bandana. It went onto BC's playing fields as Welles again excelled in sports. 

Upon graduation Welles tried several things but finally found a home in the world of financial planning and began plying his trade in New York City. He was working in the World Trade Center when the terrorist struck on 9/11. His parents, sister and many friends grieved his loss when the towers came down. He was a good man. Time would tell he was more than just that.

Many months after the towers came down Welles' mother was reading the magazine story of a World Trade Center survivor, who described how she and six others were saved from certain death on 9/11. Welles mom read with great interest as the woman detailed how a someone she called "The Man in the Red Bandana" repeatedly took survivors out of the certain death of the WTC. The man had his red bandana over his mouth as protection against the smoke and fumes. Welles' mom knew immediately it was her son, heroically applying his fire fighter skills. That day Welles made multiple trips back inside the WTC to save lives. Sadly he made one more trip in than out. He went into harms way and died a hero. 

After seeing the short about Welles on ESPN I always felt a connection to him as a fellow Nyacker. I follow his page on Face Book and look forward to the documentary about him that will come out next spring. 

This week a photo was posted on The Man in the Red Bandana Face Book page. It was of Welles and several other young people in 1993 as they attended Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA). My chest burst with pride in both knowing we had had a hand in acknowledging superior leadership and enhancing it. If in only some small way we helped a future hero, a man who literally lived "Service Above Self," Rotary again lived up to its promise.  I am proud to be a Rotarian and humbled by Welles Crowther and how he lived his short life.

Thanks for listening,

Tony