September 11, 2001. Never Forget. Everyone who can remember this day will tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing when the news broke.
For me, my mother and I had a late start to the day. We were driving to school, listening to one of my favorite rock stations in Kansas City, 99.7 KY. The radio host broke in and said, "We're receiving reports that an aircraft has struck the World Trade Center in New York City." I was only six years old, but I could tell it wasn't good.
For the rest of the day, all eyes were glued to the televisions. Watching, waiting, listening to the reports of what was happening to an iconic building in New York City. The North Tower was hit first and 17 minutes later the South Tower was hit. 56 minutes later it took 12 seconds for these buildings to come down, the collapse causing first responders to flee and citizens to run for their lives.
Almost 10,000 people were injured or killed. Business men and women, janitors, pilots, first responders, and more lost their lives in this grim attack on our country. First responders went running into the unknown to help, ultimately many of these responders paid the ultimate price. Over 400 first responders lost their lives after both towers collapsed, and many more have passed away since due to 9/11-related health complications.
Assistance from across the country came to help search and rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. Millions of dollars were collected by private donors and given to families in need, the government prompted one of the largest responses, and celebrities came to help.
Celebrities such as Steve Buscemi. Steve worked as an NYFD firefighter from 1980-1984 for Engine Company 55, stationed in Little Italy in Manhattan. On the day of the attack, Steve returned to his old station to work along side other firefighters. He assisted them for nearly a week, refusing to take pictures or let it be known he was there. Steve can be found in this photo in the top left.
The nation responded to this emergency in standard fashion, everyone helping everyone. Lest we 'Never Forget' those lost on September 11, 2001.
