New York firefighters visit Kabul

The emergency workers said it was a healing experience

New York firefighters and police officers travelled from "ground zero to ground zero" on Friday when they visited US forces and an orphanage in Kabul.

I am pleased these foreigners have brought us some food

Afghan orphan

The emergency workers, four firemen and two police officers who were heroes of the World Trade Center rescue effort, accompanied a plane-full of aid for the orphans.

They were cheered by the 870 children in the Alaodin orphanage on the outskirts of the Afghan capital.

"We are here to show that we don't hold Afghan people responsible," said firefighter Joe Higgins, who lost his brother Timothy in the World Trade Center.

He noted that it was "humbling" to meet these orphans of conflict, many of whom lost their parents in the 1992-96 civil war or the fighting against the Taleban.

Children's confusion

As the visibly moved New Yorkers patted the orphans' heads, some of the children confessed they had no idea who their visitors were, and did not grasp the events that had brought them there.

Many of the children had not even heard of New York

"We never have enough to eat," said 15-year-old Hewad who lost both his parents, two sisters and a brother when a stray rocket fell through their roof as they were eating dinner in 1992. "I am pleased these foreigners have brought us some food."

The rescue workers brought about 500 blankets and 40 tonnes of food with them, which the World Food Programme will transfer to the orphanage.

The aid flight was sponsored by the Spirit of America fund, created by Guinness UDV and its parent company, Diageo Plc.

'So proud'

Earlier, the firefighters and police exchanged messages of support with troops from the US army's 10th Mountain Division at Bagram air base north of Kabul and also had a rare chance to meet US special forces, who wear Afghan dress.

"For us to be here, ground zero to ground zero, is extremely emotional. I'm so proud to be here right now," said firefighter Higgins.

He then buried a piece of the World Trade Center near the air strip in honour of comrades who died in the attacks on New York.

One of the special forces soldiers said his unit had been burying bits of the World Trade Center all over Afghanistan.