A picture of the Texas City Disaster, in 1947.  Another nitrogen fertilizer explosion, Texas City was the most devastating industrial accident in American history.  At least five hundred and sixty-seven died.  Of those killed in the initial blast were all but one of Texas City's twenty eight volunteer firefighters.  A disaster echoed now in West, Texas, where among those confirmed dead in are nine of West's volunteer firefighters and medical technicians, as well as a Dallas firefighter living in West, killed while lending his hand.

In the aftermath, the residents of Texas City came together to rebuild their city, including the Galveston crime boss, Sam Maceo, who convinced Sinatra to come to raise relief funds.  In West, a city built in large part by Czech immigrants, among those who have come to offer support is the Czech ambassador to the United States.  In the wake of tragedy, we are reminded of the ties that bind us together, often in unsuspected ways.  My heart to West.