Students at OneSchool Global’s Auckland campus in New Zealand have received a powerful firsthand history lesson as part of a special visit from three veteran New York City firefighters who served on the front lines of 9/11.
Retired Battalion Chief Pat Gleason, retired firefighter Dave Morkal, and serving Lieutenant Tommy McBreen visited the campus to provide students with a rare opportunity to connect history with lived experience and to hear powerful lessons about courage, gratitude, service, and community.
Students engaged in a thoughtful Q&A session, asking questions about resilience, character, perspective, and community. The discussion explored how the tragedy shaped the firefighters’ outlook on life and the lessons they’ve carried with them ever since.
Reflecting on the importance of family and gratitude, Dave Morkal told students that spending time with his children after returning home from Ground Zero helped put life back into perspective.
“Seeing your kids puts life back into perspective and it kind of grounds you,” he said.
He encouraged students to appreciate life’s simple moments.
“It helps you live a life of gratitude where you sit, maybe around a fire pit and watch the sunset, and just enjoy the colours that come from a beautiful sunset.”
When asked about the public response following the attacks, Morkal highlighted the extraordinary unity displayed by communities.
“There were thousands and thousands of people that wanted to help,” he said.
OneSchool Global Auckland Campus Principal Izel Thomson said it was an honour to welcome the firefighters and hear their stories of courage and service.
“It was a privilege for our campus to host these heroic firefighters and hear their stories of selflessness and dedication.
“Hearing firsthand how these firefighters found gratitude, purpose, and community support in the face of such adversity brings our history studies to life.
“It gives our students a profound, real-world lesson in what it truly means to live by your values and serve others.”
Following the assembly, students had the opportunity to meet the firefighters personally, collect autographs, take photos, and present their guests with OneSchool Global notepads and Whittaker’s Hokey Pokey chocolate slabs as a gesture of thanks.
A big thank you to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and the charity Rapid Relief Team (RRT) for their partnership in organising the event.
