Bob Beckwith, the retired firefighter who headlined the Ridgeland Chamber’s Awards Banquet in December 2001 addressing a standing room only crowd and recalling his chance encounter with President George W. Bush amid the rubble of Ground Zero to become part of an iconic image of American unity after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, has died. He was 91.

   Making his first visit to Mississippi, Mr. Beckwith received a hero’s welcome as firefighters and police officers and the public lined the highway from Jackson’s Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport to the Hilton Jackson hotel.

   There he recounted in vivid detail the heartbreaking events of 9-11.

   Wearing his old firefighters’ helmet from Ladder 164 in Queens, Mr. Beckwith stood with President Bush as he delivered a rousing speech to weary responders three days after hijackers crashed commercial airplanes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, killing 2,753 people.

   President Bush addressed firefighters, police officers and others through a bullhorn, his arm draped around Mr. Beckwith. The moment, captured in video and photos, went worldwide and became an enduring image of resilience and unity following the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil. It even landed Mr. Beckwith on the cover of Time magazine.

   In a statement on Monday, President Bush said Mr. Beckwith’s “courage represented the defiant, resilient spirit of New Yorkers and Americans” following the attacks. “When the terrorists attacked, Bob suited back up and, like so many brave first responders, raced toward the danger to save and search for others. I was proud to have Bob by my side at Ground Zero and privileged to stay in touch with this patriot over the years.”

   The Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce sends deepest condolences to Mrs. Barbara Beckwith and the Beckwith family. We are grateful for his service to our nation, and we join his family friends in mourning his loss.