O'Hara's Restaurant and Pub Honors Over 7,000 First Responders with Patches

O'Hara's Restaurant and Pub, located a block south of the World Trade Center site in Manhattan, displays over 7,000 patches from police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and military personnel from all 50 states and around the world. Co-owner Mike Keane stated that the bar became a gathering place for first responders and Wall Street workers before the September 11 attacks. After the attacks, O'Hara's reopened in April 2002 and served as a refuge for those working at Ground Zero. The tradition of honoring first responders began on the first anniversary of the attacks when a construction worker stapled a patch from a firefighter to the bar. Since then, the collection has grown significantly. Tim Brown, a 20-year veteran of the FDNY and a 9/11 survivor, visits O'Hara's frequently and considers it a place of remembrance. Amanda Lynch, who lost family members in the attacks, has also contributed patches to the bar's walls, symbolizing a connection to her family's legacy. The bar honors both living and deceased first responders, allowing those unable to visit to send patches to be displayed. Additionally, Welles Crowther, known as the 'Man in the Red Bandana' for his heroism during the attacks, is also commemorated at O'Hara's with a red bandana on display. Crowther's mother expressed gratitude for the recognition of her son's bravery. On the 25th anniversary of the attacks, O'Hara's will open early to allow patrons to pay their respects to first responders.