The compositions received would make anyone proud to be part of this organization. Tales of long hours, sometimes dangerous conditions, camaraderie, the generosity of the Customs family, and, above all, pride, were common themes.

Choosing a winner was difficult, but at the end of the day, the U.S. Customs Today editorial staff chose the following essay by Anna Labbate as the proudest of the proud. Anna received a $200 "On the Spot" award.

Congratulations, Anna, and a special "thank you" to all participants.

"Why I'm Proud to be Part of the U.S. Customs Service"
By Anna Labbate, Supervisory Customs Liquidator, Newark

It was a beautiful summer morning like so many others. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and it was wonderful to be healthy and alive. I followed my usual morning routine, exited from my commuter bus and waited as a friend approached and we crossed the street together to enter the Custom House. Only this Custom House was Number 6 World Trade Center, and that beautiful summer morning was September 11, 2001. Life as we knew it shattered like the glass and concrete on that lovely, most tragic morning.

Photo Credit: Michael Mauro

Anna Labbate, proud to be part of the U.S. Customs Service.

I have been a career employee for over 35 years and have always been proud of my position and success. I wear my badge with honor and pride. My familyy is proud of my accomplishments and I bask in their pride for me. I was fortunate enough to find personal happiness at Customs through marriage and lifelong friendships. But nothing, absolutely nothing, prepared me for the events that were to happen on that fateful day.

As I have often expressed, "God put His hand on our building that tragic day and led us all out safely." That, in itself, is incredible. We only lost material things - our lives were spared. The aftereffects and trauma of September 11 will be imbedded in our psyche forever. We, the Customs family, can glance at the horror and devastation of ground zero only because we know none of our colleagues is entombed there.

We learned a lot about ourselves and the strength of the Customs Service on September 11 and the weeks following. Our thoughts were to reach out to our coworkers - just to hear their voice and know they were safe. Tears came to our eyes the moment they picked up the phone and we knew they "got out." The phone didn't stop ringing for weeks from friends and colleagues asking "Are you OK?" What can I do to help?" Upon meeting in the hallway we embraced each other and wept unashamedly. Our Customs friends from all over the country sent us "care packages" including treasured mementos they knew perished that day.

We learned of acts of true heroism and compassion exhibited by employees that day. Everyone helped each other despite the imminent danger of their surroundings. The Customs Service united as a whole. Counseling and support services were and continue to be provided.

Am I proud to be part of the Customs Service? Always have been and always will be, but never, never, did I realize how much. It's easy to fall into the quicksand of complacency and unwarranted entitlement to which we humans are all prey. It is in times of tragedy and loss that we remember, reevaluate and appreciate our many blessings and come to realize how fleeting, precious, and uncertain life is for all of us.

We go on knowing there is nothing in the world like family, and I, for one, am fortunate to be part of the Customs family. The best there is.