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 scheduled for a cesarean section that morning because my baby was breech, and I was only one day away from my due date. Everything about the morning seemed completely ordinary. I was about to meet my baby.”
“I was approached by a middle aged woman who gently tapped me on the shoulder. "Sir, please look at this picture. They don't understand.”
“Within a minute, it enveloped me, and all of lower Manhattan. The sun was completely blotted out. Like many thousands, I headed north on the FDR drive, finally emerging from the cloud at about the location of the south street seaport.”
“He spent that entire week counseling families and beginning the ministry he had never expected it would be.”
“It was the most horrific thing I believe I have ever seen, and it was only by God's grace that we had moved, and I was not there that day.”
“My friend and I discussed driving up to NYC to help with the search. We decided with all the chaos we would just be in the way. The night of the 11th also had a couple of other surprises.”
“As we went to Queens the following day, it was a rough trip. Every vehicle was being stopped by law enforcement to be checked for explosives underneath them. As we finally did cross the George Washington Bridge, we looked to our right and saw the massive cloud of smoke and debris hanging over that area of the city.”
“The thing I remember the most is walking with Dana that evening. I told her how anxious I was to have her home that morning. Then one of us (I can’t remember which) stopped and said, “How many people are still waiting for their husband or wife, or son, or girlfriend to come home right now?””
“I was assigned to the Red Cross who needed volunteers to assist at the Marriot Hotel, I remained a volunteer with them until the Salvation Army took over, that is where I went for the remaining 10 months until the site closed.”
“Then it happened. Around 10:00, we saw one of the towers dissolve into a huge cloud of ash and smoke. We saw the TV screen go white as smoke obscured everything in view.”
“Watching parents hug their students and escort them to cars to travel home together renewed my faith in the strength of family. Seeing the country UNITE together against the terrorist attack renewed my sense of patriotism.”
“Upon walking to my office at 40 Wall Street, in the Trump building, I saw folders and checks scattered in the street, and papers streaming down like confetti through the air. I didn’t know what happened, but then I heard 1010 WINS on a nearby car radio reporting that a plane struck the WTC.”
