I was in kindergarten on 12/1/58. Although I have no specific memories of that time, I am certain that I watched all of the TV news coverage of the fire, and since I was just beginning to read, I am sure I saw the newspaper articles. I have always wondered if my intense fear of fire might have had something to do with the OLA tragedy. I first learned about the fire from the Andrew Greeley novel "Angels of September". I then checked Michelle Mc Bride's book out of the public library in my town and read it cover to cover in record time. I saw the History Channel documentary "Hellfire" a number of years later, and read "To Sleep With The Angels". The Catholic elementary school I attended from grades 2 through 8 was dedicated on 10/2/60--the same day as the new Our Lady of Angels. I am certain that the OLA fire had a direct effect on the construction materials used in my school. I was also baptized in Our Lady of the Angels in the Bronx, NY. I teach in a public school in Brooklyn, NY that is 110 years old. It is constructed of brick and plaster. Our windows all have gates on them (not the best neighborhood), and during my first year there, I had the custodian show me how to open the window gates from inside. I continue to pray daily for everyone involved with this tragedy, but particularly today. May God continue to hold all of you in the palm of His hands.
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