The Golden Domer
Publication of the Notre Dame Senior Alumni

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Dedication

     Shortly after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the NDSA developed the God, Country, Notre Dame (GCND) Initiative to unite and engage Senior Alumni (55 and over) and the extended Notre Dame family in prayer and support of those called upon to protect the freedom of the American people.  

     Through this initiative, Notre Dame Clubs, Classes, Alumni, Students, and Friends of Notre Dame are called upon to render assistance and support to the Military and their families.

     Seems like a straightforward project, but that’s not what we found.  This Special Edition of The Golden Domer is dedicated to the gripping story of Fr. Joseph F. O’Donnell, CSC ’55.  Ordained in 1960 in Sacred Heart Church with its famous East portico, little did he know that his career would lead from Stanford Hall, through Vietnam and the Arizona Highway Patrol, and then into New York City, Ground Zero, in October, 2001.

     Just two weeks after his service at Ground Zero, Fr. Joe wrote a letter to his classmates, an extraordinary letter, which we present here in its entirety.  Fr. Joe’s story is a riveting example of how much our protectors are willing to do for us and why our God, Country, and Notre Dame initiative is so important in return. 

01 NOVEMBER 2001

A REFLECTION ON BEING IN NEW YORK CITY FROM 26 SEPTEMBER - 16 OCTOBER 2001,
AS A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS SPIRITUAL CARE AIR INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM

Friends:  As I finished Mass one morning earlier this week, someone asked me if it was "all right" to visit New York, and if they did, to "visit" as near Ground Zero as they might be allowed to go.  My response was mixed.  "Why wouldn't you want to visit New York?" and also, "New York will never be the same again."

Nor will any of us, especially those like myself who have had, or will have, the privilege of being there to help in the mammoth recovery effort that has affected the lives of countless thousands of persons there and elsewhere.

Many erudite words have been and will be written about the crimes and their aftermath, in New York, in Virginia at the Pentagon, and near Pittsburgh in the fields of Pennsylvania.  I write today of my own personal experience, from my own eyes, and heart.  Take it for what it is, one person's view.  (full article)