The stories of responders, volunteers and rescue/recovery workers are a continuing source of inspiration. Our Stories section is a growing compilation of the truly heroic actions of so many on 9/11. They are a record of the confusion and courage, the unity and loss, that make up our collective memory of that day. For information on the many support and health monitoring programs available for 9/11 Survivors, please visit VOICES Survivors page.
Chronological Events of 11 September 2001
Submitted by: Gordon Huie
The title of these personal chronological recollections has been changed so many times during the course of the writing and updating. In this article’s infancy, I used the word “tragedy”.
Chuck's Story
Submitted by: Chuck Bergmann
On September 11. I was riding my bicycle to the train station and arrived at 7:45 am. I could have jumped onto the train - but something made me hesitate. I needed a cup of coffee. A caffeine starter. I turned around and went into the train station.
David Kopecky's Story
Submitted by David Kopecky
On the morning of September 11, 2001, David planned on going fishing with his friend but once they arrived, they were told that the harbor was closed. They stood there that morning and witnessed the attacks upon the World Trade Center.
Evidence of My Daily Presence at NYSE in Lower Manhattan
Submitted by: Stephen Porpora
On the morning of September 11, 2001, I had been in early for a committee meeting at the Exchange. It broke up at 8:30 and I headed out of the Exchange to walk the 2 blocks to Fleet Bank office at Broadway and Liberty St.
Fern 2 WTC 84th Floor Survivor
Submitted by: Richard Fern
The date is September 11, 2001. It was a beautiful fall morning—so nice, in fact, that you actually stopped to take notice. My daily weekday commute from Marlboro, NJ into Lower Manhattan was uneventful.
Fortunate: A Personal Diary of 9/11
Submitted by: Janette MacKinlay
Janette MacKinlay, an artist and art teacher, moved to Lower Manhattan from California in 1997 and settled in a 4th floor loft at 110 Liberty St. Both she and her companion, Jim Lecce, were active participants in the Downtown arts and culture scene.
From the 59th floor of tower 1 to Chicago
Submitted by: Laura Bartl
My mom said I should write this all down fresh, lest I forget some points, order of events, etc. As background, for those of you who do not know, I work for a technology consulting firm and a client of ours was located at WTC.
From the Ashes
Submitted by: Scott Gassman
Excerpted from an email written by Scott Gassman and forwarded to Entre Nous by Dick Axelrod. Yesterday was tough. I wanted to return to NYC to see the Wall of Prayer and the memorials. I had to get out from under the TV onslaught and see the humanity for myself.