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"It was definitely one of the most unforgettable moments of my life."
Actress Kristen Johnston posted an emotional story to Twitter about her post-9/11 encounter with FDNY first responders.
Prompted by the recent September 11th Victim Compensation Fund signing ceremony, Johnston shared the deeply humbling and special moment with her fans, on how a chance meeting with "dust covered" first responders reduced her to tears.
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Donald Trump Jokes About Stage Collapsing Under 9/11 Victims as He Signs Compensation Bill
View StoryAt the time of the horrific terrorist attack, "3rd Rock" was in its sixth season. While stopping in at a deli near ground zero days after the attack, a fireman recognized and approached Johnston to thank her, letting her know discussing favorite episodes of the show with fellow firefighters was, “helping him laugh during the worst weeks of his life.”
Distract each other from the nightmare by talking about their favorite 3rd Rock episodes. He thanked me for helping him laugh during the worst weeks of his life. I started crying, it was definitely one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. I never told anyone before.
@thekjohnston
"True story: A few weeks after 9/11 I was in a deli downtown. A bunch of dust-covered firemen walked in (they were still searching the rubble for bodies) & one of them came up to me," she tweeted. "He said that he couldn't believe he ran into me, that all day he & his buddies were trying to distract each other from the nightmare by talking about their favorite 3rd Rock episodes. He thanked me for helping him laugh during the worst weeks of his life. I started crying, it was definitely one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. I never told anyone before."
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View StoryThe story pulled Twitter-verse heart strings, and in an overwhelming response, fans thanked the two time Emmy winner for her contribution, love and empathy.
Many people like yourselves don't realize what you do for people. To make them laugh even on their worst day is a real gift.
@faesq3639
Never underestimate the healing power of the arts !
@hayleyastein
Huge lump in my throat right now. Thanks for sharing
@RobertaByTheSea
Kristen, thank you for sharing this beautiful story. Tears.
@SarahBCalif
In addition to its power grace and sweetness, that would, to me, be a quintessential “New York” story.
@FryerDrew
Johnston's touching story was just what the Internet needed following President Trump's claim to first responders during the compensation fund signing ceremony that he was, “down there with you,” before adding, “I'm not considering myself a first responder.” This prompted Johnston to fire back at the commander in chief by referencing a post-9/11 interview where he boasted Trump Tower was now the tallest building in Manhattan in light of the twin towers falling.
"I was in NYC on 9/11. He was calling in to TV shows, bragging that now he had the tallest building in downtown Manhattan. I'll never forget it."
I was in NYC on 9/11. He was calling in to TV shows, bragging that now he had the tallest building in downtown Manhattan. I'll never forget it. https://t.co/AEwQyftRYW
@thekjohnston
