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
Every American alive then remembers that moment and can answer the inevitable question: “Where were you when you first heard the news?” 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.
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?
Every story preserves the history of September 11th for generations to come.
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 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.”
“The rest of that day I spent flying over New York City, part of the air defense that closed the skies. I flew through the smoke drifting from Ground Zero, and I felt the weight of the souls we had lost.”
“I was ironing my pants when I watched the South Tower fall and my first thought was about all of the firefighters who were heading up the stairs to help people and the knowledge that they and the people they were trying to help were dying right before our eyes.”
“He was a hero. Lived a hero and died a hero. Our hero.”
“The v.p. came out and said " Everyone downstairs fire drill.”
“I turned to one of the people that worked for me and said we are at war. At that point training kicked in and we began running checklists and coordinating with other units on base.”
“The day went on in the center, a lot of mixed emotions with tears shed, panic about loved ones and down right anger!”
“On top of the toilet paper holder, there was a clear stone with a gold cross sticker on it. I carry that stone on every single flight to this day.”
“I couldn’t let the boys out of my sight so we all camped out in the family room. Around 11:00 pm I heard keys rattling at the front door. As the door opened I saw his silhouette standing there.”
“Just as we switched to a news channel, the second plane crashed into the second tower. Watching this, I remarked to the students in the room "Well, I'm going to be going someplace nasty in the near future." It was that clear to me.”
“Our lives have been forever changed by the actions of that bright morning. It turned the day in to night. But I will always remember the way our country pulled together.”
“In a split second we exchanged a nod, I knew then we were safe.”
“I heard that same sentiment from many of the Veterans in our care. Their spirit of service to this country had been awakened and they would have volunteered that day had they been able.”
“On the top floor of our library, we could see the smoke from the towers billowing. I’d find out the next day that another of my professors lost his son in the towers.”
