A generation of Americans has no memory of 9/11.
At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we're preserving the stories of those who experienced it so they can be shared with generations to come. We must never forget the pain we endured, the heroism we witnessed, or the togetherness we felt.
Your story is part of our history. Will you share it?
Gary's Story
September 11th, 2001. Every American alive then remembers that moment and can answer the inevitable question: Where were you on 9/11? I stared at the television in shock and disbelief, along with the entire country, as we watched smoke pour from the twin towers of the World Trade Center.
We watched on live television as people leapt to their deaths from the top floors. Then, another report came in that a third airplane had crashed into the Pentagon. About twenty minutes later, a fourth airplane crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We later learned it was United Flight 93, seemingly bound for the White House, until the passengers courageously chose to take back the plane.
Every story preserves the history of September 11th for generations to come.
History At Risk
Only 14 states require education about 9/11. Those who lived through it carry memories no history book can capture. Sharing our experiences helps future generations understand what happened that day and how America responded.
Your story preserves the courage, sacrifice, and compassion shown during one of our nation’s darkest moments. Will you share it?
Stories We'll Never Forget
“Tom’s remains have never been recovered but I still hope someday to bring my soulmate home to rest.”
“I had been based in Boston for 16 years. These weren't simply names on a crew manifest. They were our pilots.”
“I was part of the American Airlines Care Team, so I followed procedures, called in and started packing my bag in case I was activated. By 5 PM I was boarding a flight from DFW to Boston, one of four planes flying that night escorted by F-16s with orders that if we deviate from our course, to shoot us down.”
“I was on Interstate 95 heading south when the second plane hit and,I realized that the United States was under attack. I raced down to Ft. Did where I was immediately turned around and ordered back to help at Ground Zero.”
“I felt such a sense of loss but also profound pride in how our nation came together during that time. It was truly remarkable. Tragedy has a way of bringing people together despite their differences.”
“The ache in every fiber of my being knowing my dad was working at Windows on the World was like nothing I had ever felt before. As I frantically called my dad's phone with no connection ever being made, life felt like it was spiraling out of control.”
“On my way out the door, I passed an American Airlines employee who had come to St. Louis to train TWA people after our company had been taken over by American. We hugged each other and, through tears, I managed to say "I am so sorry for your loss".”
“I will always remember the feeling in the pit of my stomach when I realized my 16-year-old niece was on her own in NYC trying to break into show business.”
“My sense of grief for the physical victims was nearly unbearable. Time has healed some of that pain though it raises up from timt-to-time.”
“We all were herded into the library to see the horror. We all became quiet, wondering about our loved ones all over the country.”
“I was stunned and continued to watch when the second plane hit. I cried because of all of our people that died in this horrible attack.”
“I was on Constitution Avenue in D.C. on my way to Washington Hospital Center where my son was having surgery. My car shook when the plane hit the Pentagon.”
“Chief stood up and said, "We are under attack."”
“On my way home to my condo in Alexandria, Va. I-495 was like a ghost town . The only vehicles on there was emergency ones besides myself .”
“Our employer live streamed into our computers the aftermath for 2 weeks. We watched the search and clean up.”
“Our building was across the street. New York City, as you know, was closed. People were so nice for 1 year.”
“My son called from Illinois to see if I was watching and together we watched the plane hit and the towers collapse.”
“I kept stepping outside to see a beautiful blue sky all day. It was very confusing and sad.”
