A bride was left in tears by the emotional tribute that workers from the New York City Fire Department paid to honor her late father, who died saving others during 9/11.
Many brides find themselves tearing up throughout their wedding, but for Kristin Marino, 27, there was an even-deeper level of emotion on her big day. Sadly, her dad wasn’t able to see her get married, or even grow up, because he was one of the hundreds of firefighters who lost their lives in the 9/11 terror attacks.
All these years later, Marino told Newsweek that it was “so bittersweet” to know that she was about to tie the knot to her partner, Noah Schnacky, without her dad being there. However, members of the FDNY were sure to help honor her late father and pay an emotional tribute to his sacrifice.
As Marino left the Plaza Hotel, she was stunned to see former and current members of Rescue One, her dad’s firehouse, lined up outside, ready to escort her to the wedding venue in Rockefeller. She knew they had something planned, but she had no idea just how beautiful that moment would be.
“The firefighters, current and retired, exceeded my expectations,” Marino, who now resides in Orlando, Florida, said. “They showed up dressed in uniform, with both of their trucks, and escorted me from the Plaza Hotel, where I was staying, to my wedding venue. And they even gifted me a little gold pendant with the Twin Towers and FDNY on it, and a Rescue One clip for Noah’s suit.
“I started crying almost instantly because I knew my dad was looking down smiling, knowing they were there to honor his daughter at a time when he couldn’t physically be there,” Marino added.
On the day of the 9/11 attack, there were almost 3,000 lives lost, including 343 FDNY members.
Footage of that incredibly touching moment was shared on TikTok (@kristin_schnacky) and it has gone viral with over 34.5 million views and more than 6.9 million likes at the time of writing. Alongside the video, the caption reads: “I couldn’t hold it in … thank you for honoring my dad FDNY.”
For Marino, that moment will be one that she always cherishes, and she said she is so grateful that the FDNY took the time to honor her dad in such a special way. Walking down the famous steps of the Plaza Hotel and seeing the large firetrucks in front of her was “a surreal but beautiful moment” for the bride.
She managed to get several photos with the FDNY workers before heading to the wedding venue.
Marino also paid tribute to her dad in other ways, as she had her paternal grandfather walk her down the aisle, and his formal firefighter jacket was hung on a chair beside the bride’s mom. The groom even wrote vows to his late father-in-law, too.
Marino told Newsweek: “It’s truly overwhelming the amount of love and support I’ve had from people across the world. It is so special to keep my dad’s name alive, along with the other lives lost. Even the recognition for FDNY is so deserved.
“I hope that people never forget what happened that tragic day, and I hope the FDNY continues to get recognition for the sacrifices they make every day,” she continued.
As it turns out, it wasn’t just Marino who was left in tears by this thoughtful gesture—plenty of internet users were, too. The viral TikTok video has melted so many hearts, generating over 24,400 comments in just a matter of days.
One comment reads: “Never thought the FDNY could become even bigger heroes, but look at them today. What a beautiful gesture.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “This is the most precious thing ever.”
A third person replied: “Oh girl. We are all crying with you. Congrats on the marriage … your dad was definitely front row.”
One commenter added: “This was so thoughtful of them. Your dad would be so proud.”
Newsweek contacted FDNY via email for comment.
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