On June 2, 2004 we received this heartfelt post from a Canadian firefighter:

Hello from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
I have visited your wonderful site so many times in the past little while and I find it great. I find the pictures & letters so uplifting, but some so sad. I work for the Edmonton Fire/Rescue Department, and I go on your site at night while on shift.
    
See, I miss my five year old Golden, Buddy. He is with his mom, and we don’t live together right now. I sometimes, but not enough, get to go and see him. It is very hard to see him, as he looks so depressed. I know that he misses me. I can see it in his eyes. His mom takes very good care of him. She loves him deeply, too.
     
My question for you. I have found a picture of a Golden with a firefighter sitting on a box with the fallen WTC behind them. The painting is called “Amazing Grace”. Have you seen this painting? I am trying to locate it to see if there are prints for sale. If you know anything of this painting, please send me some information. A lot of people say that it reminds them, and even looks like me and my boy.
Thanks, Duane

While we usually know about all the many Golden related wonders, we were unfamiliar with this painting. And, there was not much available on the web about it. But, thanks to cached Google pages, we were able to learn about a very touching story.

The painting, Amazing Grace, was created by Vincent James Muraglia, a professional artist for over 35 years. Painting, designing, and creating artwork his entire adult life, James’ work has appeared in children’s books and his previous paintings, The Treasure and First Flight have appeared worldwide. Particularly noted for his portraiture, he was known to capture not only the likeness of the subject but also the personality with a charm and style unique to his creative talent.

Sadly, Mr. Muraglia is no longer creating his cherished art. We found this out from his daughter, Andrea, who provided me with some background about her beloved Papa’s life.

This original Amazing Grace oil painting honors the Heroes of 9/11/01 and is dedicated to their memory. It realistically depicts firefighter Rocky Raimondi of New York Fire Department Engine #15, with Golden Retriever Gracie, as they symbolize the heroic rescue efforts of the NYFD and the indomitable spirit of the American people.

Although according to Andrea, James was reluctant to become involved in this project, as he did not want to appear to be profiting from this kind of tragedy, he later decided that this contribution would be an important and worthwhile one. And, he went on to donate ten percent 10% of his profits directly to the Firefighters Relief Fund.

James had this to say about his painting: “Amazing Grace depicts a very emotional and dramatic moment in U.S history. As an artist, I was reluctant to respond to this tragic event through my work. However, constant encouragement from NYC Firefighters and my family inspired me to do a work which conveys hope, and shows the perseverance of the American spirit. I pray that I have done honor to this event, and to the victims and their families.”

The painting was dedicated to the NYC Fire Department Museum where it now remains on permanent display. A ceremony was held at the museum on March 12, 2002, which was attended by James, Fireman Rocky Raimondi NYFD Engine 15, and NYFD Deputy Chief John B. Casey.

Museum piece cites local fireman, artist By Don Bennett, Ocean County Observer Staff Writer   NYC fireman Rocky Raimondi of Beachwood looks at portrait with artist V. James Muraglia. It will be displayed at the NYC Fire Museum.     Toms River — The New York City Fire Museum will include a painting of an exhausted fireman and a rescue dog,  done by local artist V. James Muraglia. It will be part of its permanent collection recalling the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.      Rocky Raimondi of Beachwood, a New York City fireman with Engine 15, and golden retriever Gracie are featured in the painting of them in the ruins of the Twin Towers. Muraglia calls the painting “Amazing Grace.” He said he decided to create a work that would “symbolize the heroic spirit surrounding ground zero.”      He knew Raimondi, a Toms River native and graduate of Toms River High School, and said he was “fortunate to find a sponsor for the painting,” Whiting developer Joseph Pereira Jr.      Peter Rothenberg, the curator of the museum on Spring Street in New York City, said it is dedicated to presenting a history of response to the attack. He said Muraglia’s painting with its “skillfully presented content and general sentiment would go a long way to help in our efforts.”      New York City Fire Commissioner Nicholas J. Scoppetta and Rothenberg have scheduled an unveiling for the painting for 11 a.m. March 11 at the museum. Guests will be Muraglia, Raimondi and Pereira, the owner of Sterling Homes Development of Whiting who donated $25,000 to sponsor the project.      Muraglia said Pereira made the decision to dedicate the painting to the museum. Muraglia said he plans to give $2,500 to the museum at the unveiling. Prints will be made, autographed by Raimondi, and sold to collectors, with part of the proceeds going to the Firemen’s Relief Fund, Muraglia said.

Later that day following the dedication, Andrea said it was so exciting to have the phone ringing off the hook as so many folks were now requesting more information about her dad and his work. But, this celebration was a short lived one as tragedy struck the following day when James suffered a massive coronary. This event resulted in a prolonged coma of approximately 18 months before finally taking his life on October 10, 2003, actually Andrea’s dad’s 66th birthday. Yet, what made this date such a significant one was the fact that at age 66, James’ father had similarly suffered a fatal coronary.

Andrea said we would have loved her father, a gregarious guy who just loved talking up a storm with others. She also indicated how much her father gave to others and how he even gave away paintings in his desire to mend wounded spirits. This special compassion for others, and especially children, had resulted following the violent childhood death of Andrea’s twin sister. Becoming quite active in humanitarian causes, James was in fact honored by President Ronald Reagan for his victims’ rights efforts. 

It is interesting to note that Golden Gracie was not Rocky’s Search & Rescue dog (as we had incorrectly assumed), but had been utilized in the painting to represent the important work of such dogs at the World Trade Center. She was actually the family’s young Golden, who was very attached to James. According to Andrea, Gracie was upset and confused by James’ prolonged coma, actually trying to lick his face in order to elicit a response. And, tragically, just one week prior to James’ death, a far too young 4-year-old Gracie died from unknown causes. 

Due to her father’s prolonged coma and death, his AmazingGraceArt.com site was put on hold. So, with Andrea’s permission we spent the next several hours creating this special page and am now providing ordering information for her. It is my way of honoring both her father and his work.

Amazing Grace Art
The following James Muraglia prints are available — all professionally printed on 80lb high quality paper. You can order by calling Andrea at 732-244-0390 or emailing her at amuraglia@netzero.net.

Treasured Golden Feedback

You, you bad girl! THANK YOU!! You have me blubbering uncontrollably. I have to go to a meeting in twenty minutes with puffy red eyes and sniffles. Your Amazing Grace story got to me good. The painting is nearly an illustration of our own experience on 9/11. You might remember I had feared my young son’s reaction to seeing the attack on television, and had limited his exposure to those pictures. The first thing he was allowed to view was a story about the rescue dogs three days later. I thought it would be a gentle transition to visual horror of the tragedy, but instead we watched in tears as the dogs (several of them Goldens) dutifully carried on despite bloodied feet and horrid conditions. Those pictures, so closely resembling the Amazing Grace portrait, are what tugged at his heart and pushed him to act, and what first brought us to you and the Land of Pure Gold. ... It’s hard to believe it has been almost three years. Tanner is a teenager now! And our Macintosh has grown up to be a big smiley boy. Thanks again for making sure my water works are in order!

 — Sherri

Darn it Rochelle, You had me crying too. Poor little Gracie leaving before her beloved human so she could help prepare things for his arrival. The artwork honors Grace too I think. For now she is forever enshrined in a work of art. What an emotional journey you had. Perhaps tomorrow you think you will get the chance to get dressed?

— Chris

Thank you. I have forwarded the link to lots of Golden lovers. I love the third picture, too. I am certainly getting the two of them. Please tell Andrea that her dad’s spirit is certainly reflected in his work.

— Kate

Wow, what a beautiful tribute to fire fighters and to their Golden companions, and to the special artist and inspiring pet Golden. Such a talented artist and what a moving story. The tribute surely will inspire people and make them appreciate those in their lives.

 — Lori

Rochelle, I just read the Gracie story and it was beautiful. I don’t think I have seen that painting before. Stunning, and you made that family as happy as you made us with our story.

 — Nan

Rochelle, I knew you were amazing, but you really outdid yourself this time. You know I am ordering one. My son-in-law’s last name is Raimondi. Lots of love from your used to be secretary.

 — Susan

Ah wow. Totally inspiring, moving and heart-wrenching all at the same time. I was in tears. What a superb tribute to a truly special artist.

 — Ginger

Oh my gosh! What an amazing journey that must have been for all of you! I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and G-d put you in that firefighter’s path so all of this could happen. It gives me the chills. Not to mention the tears running down my cheeks as I try to type this. And Gracie, leaving this life just before her daddy. Wow. I don’t know what else to say. Just wow. I will definitely be ordering the print tomorrow.

 — Robin

Wow, I can’t stop the tears from rolling down my face. That was such a beautiful and sad story. It’s amazing how the best people in the world leave this earth too soon. I’m sure that your husband understood why you didn’t run the errand. Once again, you have outdone yourself by finding gems in this world. Thank you for putting so much time and effort into that.

 — Alie

It’s really awesome Rochelle! I had tears in my eyes. I love all the hard work you do and I love to go to your site just to look around. Goldens are so special! Thank you for all the work you do! I’m sure there are so many people who could say that you put a smile on their face . . . daily!

 — Millie

It’s hard to see through the tears to type this! I’m admittedly on a bit of an emotional roller coaster already today. A client had to euthanize her dog today and that’s never easy . . . but what a touching story. The song fits it perfectly and that is such a great tribute to both the artist and the firemen. Thank you Rochelle!

 — Laura

That was a very touching story, and brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing! Our goldens are a very special breed. Seem to know how to make everyone they touch feel better, and bring a smile to your face!

 — Christina

Thanks ONCE AGAIN for making me cry Rochelle. What a special (although sad) story of a great man. But what a legacy he leaves behind. Thanks for sharing this.

 — Debbie

I read all the comments [above] that people wrote to you and totally agree with them all. I couldn’t have said it better. I feel lucky to be included on your mailing list. I want you to know that I will also be purchasing a copy of Amazing Grace. And as that beautiful song says . . . Though there is a night, there will be a morning.

 — Bonnie