Springsteen honors WTC victim

YARDLEY, Pennsylvania: The memorial service for a fan who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks included a special videotaped tribute from Bruce Springsteen.

James P. "Jim" Berger, 44, a senior vice president of the insurance company AON Consulting Group, died in the attack on the World Trade Center. His memorial service was attended by 1,000 people.

Co-workers said Berger shepherded many of AON's employees to safety from their 101st-floor office in the trade center's south tower after the north tower was struck by a jetliner.

"I am so proud my husband was able to put other people in front of himself in the face of what must have been unbelievable fear," Berger's widow Suzanne said before the lights dimmed and Springsteen appeared on a screen set up for Friday's service.

Springsteen dedicated his performance to Berger's three sons. "I understand this was one of your Pop's favorite songs," he said.

Then, with a harmonica in his mouth and a guitar in his hands, Springsteen began to play Thunder Road. -- AP