Truckers remember Sept. 11

OOIDA Member Rudy Acevedo of Cantonment, FL, who sadly passed away in December 2011, led the convoy of 28 trucks loaded with steel to the foundry where it was forged in Coatesville, PA. Right behind him in the convoy was OOIDA Senior Member Tim Philmon of Middleburg, FL. At the time, both said being part of the 206-mile journey was the highlight of their professional driving careers. (Land Line file photo by Gregory Cazillo, chestercountyphotographer.com)

It’s been more than two years since OOIDA Senior Member Tim Philmon of Middlesburg, FL, was part of a convoy that hauled 500 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center back to Coatesville, PA, where it was forged.

On the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Philmon told Land Line that he still considers being part of that convoy of 28 trucks one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.

“Last night I went through some videos and pictures last night and started reminiscing,” Philmon told Land Line on Tuesday, Sept. 11. “My parents always talked about Pearl Harbor as the defining moment when the world changed, which I wasn’t around for, but I think Sept. 11 (where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives) is the day that changed this country forever.” 

The steel beams the convoy hauled back to Coatesville are now making their way across the country as part of 9/11 memorials.

Last year on the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2011, Land Line spoke to some truckers who were on the front lines hauling emergency supplies and debris, while others maintained the 21 refrigerated trailers that served as temporary morgues until the bodies could be identified.