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 home to my condo in Alexandria, Va. I-495 was like a ghost town . The only vehicles on there was emergency ones besides myself .”
“About a day or so later, Beth called me and was as OK as she could be after having to run for her life for hours. She has since passed away due to health issues.”
“I was a Captain with American Airlines and had landed in Zurich in the morning. It was afternoon there when we heard the news. The crew stayed there until Friday for the return flight to Chicago.”
“Following that day, my son was called back into the U.S. Marine Corp to continue serving his country.”
“He had no cell phone service and couldn't call me until 3 hours after the collapse. So relieved to hear his voice and know he was OK, but I was devastated by the tv coverage.”
“After the second plane hit - as a class we believed then we would be going to war.”
“Police commandeered me and my vehicle to transport people to safety.”
“We had a cousin who worked on the 85th floor with a week old baby at home. He survived with the help of the NYFD.”
“I was a doctor making rounds and saw the attack on the TV in the ICU. I was in the Navy reserves and was sure I would be called up, which I was.”
“I was nursing my first child, and I thought "what kind of world have I brought my child into?" He grew up and served in this world's greatest Navy, the USN!”
“I was shocked and in disbelief for days. So many people died and I could not understand why.”
“Our principal notified us of the airplane crashes into the NY Towers but told us not to share the information with our students. This was in case a student had a parent on one of the planes.”
