Another day of crying for people I don’t know, but this one is worth the tears.
Many videos on TikTok bring tears to my eyes these days. From videos of little kids living out their dreams at their favorite concert to videos of the elderly singing with family members, videos like this capture how precious life is and how there is so much good in the world. But out of all of these videos, nothing pulls at the heartstrings more than videos of significant life moments without your loved ones present.
In a recent viral video, bride Kristin Marino shared with the world that her father was unable to be with her on her wedding day. But what makes this even more heartbreaking is that this bride lost her father, who was a firefighter, on 9/11. He sacrifices his life to save the lives of others.
Kristin’s father, Kenneth Marino, was a firefighter for 20 years, starting when he turned 18 as a volunteer‚ and continuing throughout his career of over 10 years as a New York City firefighter. According to 9/11 Birthday Tributes, the morning before the World Trade Center was attacked, Marino’s family came to visit him at the firehouse, spending their last moments together as a complete family. Once the tragedy unfolded, Rescue 1 was one of the first fire companies on the scene to help save as many lives as possible.
Kristin’s father and ten of his fellow firefighters entered the North Tower, working to help and rescue the injured and trapped civilians inside. Kenneth Marino was last seen near the 70th floor. All eleven responding Rescue 1 members were lost that day. Rest in peace.
Kristin recently got married, and not having your father present on your wedding day is beyond heartbreaking. But before she walked down the aisle, her father was there in spirit as members of New York’s Rescue 1, who surprised Kristin to honor her on this special day.
In the bittersweet video, Kristin shared the following:
“My dad didn’t show up to my wedding because he was taken from us on September 11th… So look who did. New and retired firefighters from my dad’s firehouse, Rescue One. I finally understand why they say ‘It’s a brotherhood.’ I know my dad was smiling down, knowing that I was taken care of. Thank you for never forgetting FDNY.”
Twenty-four years later, and they are still honoring the life and legacy of Kenneth Marino, showing up for his little girl on her big day.
@kristin_schnacky I couldn’t hold it in…thank you for honoring my dad FDNY ❤️🚒 @FOLLOW THE BRIDE ♬ Rescue – Lauren Daigle
Marino’s now husband, Noah Schnacky (a TikTok star who dabbled in the pop country world and now focuses on worship music) also shared some of the heartfelt moments on social media, noting that he and his bride decided not to do a first look. Still, once he heard the sirens of the firehouse showing up, he walked out onto the roof of their wedding venue to see his bride being honored by those who had worked alongside her father, or who were following in his footsteps of helping others.
She added more in a follow up Instagram post:
“Yesterday I truly understood what it means when firefighters say “its a brotherhood.” Firefighters(new & retired) from my dads firehouse Rescue One showed up to my hotel and escorted me all the way to our venue where Noah was waiting at the altar, they stopped their life to be apart of my special day to honor my dad.
Walking out of the hotel to see all the firefighters with the 2 trucks instantly made me bawl my eyes out, it truly was symbolism of my dad walking me down the aisle & I know it’s exactly how he would of wanted it, this one is for you dad. Thank you FDNY for being apart of my special day to honor my father.”
Many internet users were extremely moved by the video, sharing stories of them having researched her father or detailing their own experience of loved ones lost during 9/11.
Moments like this show that family extends beyond blood and that you always have someone watching over you. What a special way for the NYFD to honor one of their fallen brothers and to show his little girl that they are always watching over her in honor of her dad.
Read a few comments before you go.
“Your dad saved my dad’s life on 9/11. In the stairwell. He shoved my dad downstairs for his safety while he climbed the stairs to help. My family and I go to the memorial yearly and place a flower on your dad’s name and honor him with a candle lighting.”
“In high school, we were all assigned first responders who lost their lives on 9/11, and I had the honor of researching your dad and laying a rose on his name at the memorial. I still have my bracelets with his name on it.”
“Firefighter Kenneth Marino of FDNY Rescue 1, correct? He was one of the few to make it up to the higher floors of the North Tower to fight fires. Somehow, his helmet survived. His story is quite incredible. Your father was an incredible man with his 20 years of firefighting experience. I made sure to learn about all 364 rescue personnel who passed that tragic day. I won’t forget your father.”
“I never thought 24 years later I’d be seeing videos of their kids getting married.”
“Your Father, Kenneth Marino, a NYFD fireman who gave up his life to save others on 9/11, is looking down and is so proud of the beautiful young woman you have become. May you and Noah have everlasting love.”
“He was there, just in a different way. Congratulations! You make a STUNNING bride!”
“Her moms face broke my heart you can tell she was happy for her daughter but absolutely shattered missing the love of her life.”
“….guys it’s okay, I planned on crying today.”
“All these years and the still showed up. Your dad must have been a hell of a guy. I’m so very sorry such a horrible day.”
“Your dad worked with my dad during 9/11. May his soul rest in the calmest of the heavens, Godspeed baby you got this.”
