Remembering Paul Robert Eckna

In memory of Paul Robert Eckna
Aged 28, of West New York, New Jersey

Five years ago, on September 11th, Paul Robert Eckna began his day as an International Equities Trader with Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center, Tower 1.

People were going about their business at the start of another working day. Here, in Australia, most of us were heading to bed. All of us unaware of how the world was about to change. For all of us, September 11th changed the way we perceived our world; for some, the change was on an intensely personal scale as loved family and friends were prematurely taken away.

On September 11th, Cantor Fitzgerald lost 658 employees, more than 60 percent of the company’s entire work force.

Today, as part of the 2,996 project, I join together with fellow bloggers worldwide to remember the 2,996 precious souls lost on September 11th. For those of us fortunate enough to have been spared the loss of a loved one on this day, by participating in this project, let us strengthen our resolve to never forget the events of this day. Let these individuals be strangers to us no more, let us hold them in our hearts forever.

Let me tell you a little about Paul.

Born and raised in Garden City, New York, Paul was the son of Carol and Stanley Eckna and youngest brother of Richard and Stephen. Since September 11th 2001, he has become a beloved uncle to Caitlin Leigh and Christopher William.

Paul was a sports enthusiast and had a particular affinity for football. He played for Garden City Trojans in position 77. Later, he played for the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Paul had an enthusiasm for life. He loved his work with Cantor Fitzgerald and enjoyed the challenges of his position as an International Equities Trader. Paul, at only 28, had so much promise and so much to live for. A loving family, a large circle of friends, a great job.

Reading about Paul, you learn so much about his personality - his warmth, his consideration for others. It's reflected in the beautiful photograph above.

"Paul Eckna was a very unique and special individual with many talents. I'm proud to say that we were friends, and it gives me a great deal of happiness to know that I had the opportunity to be his roommate while studying at the university."

Matthew Good, friend.

Family and friends were very important to Paul and, from the messages I have read online, it is apparent that the feelings were mutual.

"Paul always had a smile, a funny story, a hug to make you feel special, a glint in his eye that said he was there for you, an open heart and an open mind. Paul was special, he continues to remain special and will hold that place in our hearts and minds forever."

Noreen Loser M., Paul's aunt

Please take a minute of your time to think about Paul Robert Eckna and to pray for his family and friends.

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."

Kahlil Gibran

Paul Robert Eckna.

We will never forget.

Visit the 2, 996 project and remember the lives lost on September 11th, 2001.
Thank you.

Postscript 11/9/06.

Apparently, the 2,996 link is down due to traffic volume.
Please also remember Denis F. Lavelle.