This ordinary stainless steel revolver was carried by New York Police Officer Walter Weaver. On Sept. 11, 2001, Weaver took it as he rushed into the World Trade Center in New York City after it was attacked by the radical Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda. Like far too many, Officer Weaver never made it out that day … but his revolver was recovered from the ashes.

Weaver’s family later donated the gun to the NRA National Firearms Museum. With the 14th anniversary of the September 11 attacks coming up tomorrow, Weaver’s revolver holds a place of honor today and serves as a somber reminder of the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line daily. It’s an ordinary firearm that stands as a symbol of extraordinary bravery.

The NRA Museums—the National Firearms Museum at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Va.; the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo.; and the Frank Brownell Museum of the Southwest at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, N.M.—each have fine selections of historic arms on display. Admission to each is free, and donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, visit nramuseums.com, phone (703) 267-1600 or email[email protected]. 

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