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Hero Stories

Honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who responded on September 11th, 2001 and in the days that followed.

15
Hero Stories
2,977
Lives Honored
1,500+
Miles of Memory
The Todd Beamer Story "Let's Roll"
September 11, 2020
Location:Flight 93Media:Video

The Todd Beamer Story "Let's Roll"

A 5-minute video from The History Channel on the story of Todd Beamer and the heroics on board Flight 93, which saved countless lives.

9/11 Fireman’s Son Sees Dad on National Archives Instagram
January 14, 2020
Location:Ground ZeroMedia:Article

9/11 Fireman’s Son Sees Dad on National Archives Instagram

To commemorate the 18th Anniversary of 9/11, the National Archives shared a photo from the Ground Zero recovery and cleanup efforts. Finding the photo on Instagram, the son of FDNY firefighter Paul Bardo recognized his father in the image.

Col. Philip A. McNair Reflects On Surviving The Pentagon Attack On September 11
September 11, 2021
Location:PentagonMedia:Article

Col. Philip A. McNair Reflects On Surviving The Pentagon Attack On September 11

An NPR interview with Col. Philip A. McNair, who was working at the Pentagon when it was struck on Sept. 11, 2001. Warning: Please note that some might find the content in this piece graphic and disturbing.

Remembering Joe Angelini Jr., A Firefighter Who Died In The September 11 Attacks
September 11, 2021
Location:Ground ZeroMedia:Article

Remembering Joe Angelini Jr., A Firefighter Who Died In The September 11 Attacks

Remembering Joe Angelini Jr via an interview with NPR's Scott Simon and Donna Angelini, whose firefighter husband died in his efforts to save others at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

9/11 Survivor Stories: Twists of Fate That Saved These People’s Lives
June 5, 2025
Media:Article

9/11 Survivor Stories: Twists of Fate That Saved These People’s Lives

Reader's Digest recounts seven acts of fate/ divine intervention that prevented these individuals from being at the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001, ultimately saving their lives.

9/11 'Survivor Tree' Returns to Ground Zero
September 12, 2012
Location:Ground ZeroMedia:Video

9/11 'Survivor Tree' Returns to Ground Zero

A National Geographic short film on the 9/11 "Survivor Tree" and its journey back to the September 11th Memorial and Museum.

Eyewitness to 9/11: Behind the Lens
September 12, 2023
Media:Video

Eyewitness to 9/11: Behind the Lens

An hour-long special features WABC-TV Eyewitness News journalists reflecting on their firsthand reporting from the streets, the air, and the newsroom on September 11, 2001, sharing never-before-seen footage and personal accounts of documenting the tragedy of that day as it unfolded.

Last Known Sept. 11 Search Dog, Bretagne, Dies At 16
June 7, 2016
Location:Ground ZeroMedia:Article

Last Known Sept. 11 Search Dog, Bretagne, Dies At 16

The last known four-legged hero that spent days at Ground Zero in the aftermath, working on search and recovery missions, has passed. Explore the full article to see a video of Bretagne visiting the September 11th National Memorial and Museum and being honored for her heroics.

First Pitch Showcased in All American Exhibit Demonstrates How Sports Helped Unite Nation After 9/11
September 9, 2022
Media:Article

First Pitch Showcased in All American Exhibit Demonstrates How Sports Helped Unite Nation After 9/11

The National Archives' take on President George W. Bush’s 2001 World Series first pitch became a lasting symbol of unity and resilience after September 11.

FDNY Captain William "Billy" Burke’s Final Act of Courage
September 12, 2011
Location:Ground ZeroMedia:Article

FDNY Captain William "Billy" Burke’s Final Act of Courage

On September 11, 2001, FDNY Captain Billy Burke remained on the 27th floor of the North Tower with two trapped civilians, allowing his fellow firefighters to escape; his decision saved their lives and he is remembered by many as a hero.

Welles R. Crowther “The Man in the Red Bandana”
September 11, 2024
Location:Ground ZeroMedia:Video

Welles R. Crowther “The Man in the Red Bandana”

An ESPN special – Identified by the red bandana he wore in his youth, and while playing lacrosse at Boston University, Crowther was in the South Tower on September 11, 2001, and lost his life making repeated trips, guiding and carrying people to safety.

September 12, 2021
Location:PentagonMedia:Article

The Son Of A 9/11 Victim Remembers His Mother

An interview by NPR's Michel Martin, who speaks with Rodney Ratchford, Jr., who lost his mother, Marsha Ratchford, in the attack on the Pentagon 20 years ago.

Showing 12 of 15 stories

Never Forget

These stories remind us of the extraordinary courage shown on September 11th, 2001. Share a story or learn more about the trail that honors their memory.