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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.

16
Hero Stories
2,977
Lives Honored
1,500+
Miles of Memory

16 results

  • A legacy of love, intellect & passion for knowledge
    March 24, 2026Community Contributed
    Location:Flight 93Theme:RemembranceMedia:Submission

    A legacy of love, intellect & passion for knowledge

    A personal tribute to Edward Porter Felt, written by his brother, honors his life as a devoted father, mentor, and Flight 93 hero, remembered for his compassion, intellect, and enduring impact.

  • I Survived the Collapse of the South Tower on 9/11 | Tim Brown
    September 12, 2025
    Media:Video

    I Survived the Collapse of the South Tower on 9/11 | Tim Brown

    An American Veterans Center oral history interview with Tim Brown, retired FDNY, Alliance Board Member, and 9/11 survivor, who tells his harrowing story of the day and how he carries the memories of his firefighter brothers forward.

  • September 11, 2021

    Recognizing Col. Rick C. Rescorla Who Led WTC Survivors to Safety on 9/11

    A British-American Army Veteran, who, throughout his time serving as the Head of Security for Morgan Stanley, was a proponent of creating and regularly scheduling safety drills that most likely saved thousands of lives on September 11, 2001. Only 13 Morgan Stanley employees, including Rescorla, were unable to evacuate before the South Tower collapsed. He was last seen climbing back up the tower stairs to make a final sweep for others minutes before the collapse.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.