NJ community give back on 9/11 in annual blood drive

HOBOKEN, N.J. (PIX11) — On a beautiful morning 23 years ago, Rocco Riccardi saw the world change before his eyes.

“23 years ago, I watched the second plane hit,” said Riccardi. “I was on the roof of City Hall in Hoboken -I used to work for the City- and I saw the second plane hit. It’s still in my mind all these years later.”

His patriotism is unmistakable, and so is his heart. That’s why, on the anniversary of 9/11, he came to Hoboken Police Headquarters, where the Department and New York Blood Center hosted their annual blood drive.

“I think every day we should give back to our community, not just one day,” said Riccardi. “But it’s a day for reflection also.”

“We used to do it every year in August since… 1985,” said retired Hoboken Police Officer Dennis Figueroa helped start the blood drive. After 9/11, the drive became part of what’s become a national day of service.

Today, his sons currently on the force, Dennis Jr. and Jonathan, are keeping the tradition alive.

“It brought the Country together and it brought people as one,” said Dennis Figueroa Jr.,  “and that’s what we try to do here.”

“It’s good for the community, it’s good for everybody,” said Jonathan Figueroa.

Hoboken’s generosity comes at a time when blood is still in critical need. According to the New York Blood Center, the area’s supply of Type O blood is just three days.

Riccardi’s message is to give back however you can, and while doing so, think of those who never came home that day 23 years ago.

“What our Country stands for, freedom, reflection, prayer, and the people we lost, remembering them,” said Riccardi.

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