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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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Showing 12 of 16 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.