Bobby Valentine

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine — then in the same job with the Mets — was a visible and tireless public figure in New York’s efforts to rebound. He seemingly worked around the clock with aid workers and public servants while also connecting personally with numerous victims of the attacks.

On the 11th anniversary, Valentine was asked how the event continues to impact his day-to-day life.

“I don’t know if I can put all that into words,” said Valentine. “For people who are still healing who were personally aggrieved by that tragic event, every day is an anniversary. Every day is another day that they’re reminded that their lives have changed. On an anniversary, all I can say is I thank all the people who without a doubt gave more than others. People stepped up and did a yeoman’s job of filling voids in people’s lives, filling voids in the community in New York and DC and Pennsylvania, they filled in voids in the country.

“I’m grateful that I worked side-by-side with a lot of people who gave a damn. I think they made a little bit of a difference. I think that we should never forget and I don’t think it’s going to ever be the same. All I can say is that I continue to try to do everything that I can, and I don’t think it’s enough.”