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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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • September 8, 2023
    Location:Ground ZeroMedia:Video

    The Stunning Stories of How I Survived 9/11

    A True Story documentary features survivors' first-hand accounts of their harrowing experiences of being inside the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.