9.11.01

it’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the attacks on the world trade center in new york city. the event was so significant that it largely shaped our nations identity going forward— for millennials like myself, it would fundamentally shift our perceptions of the world and everything we thought to be true— the world we were raised to grow up in would no longer exist. 

but aside from the aftermath of 9/11 and the drastic cultural shift, there were many heroes that day— genuine patriots who answered the call— and some who never ended up making it home. there were thousands of heroes that day, but one of the most significant heroes became known as “the man in the red bandana.” the selfless efforts that Welles Crowther went through to ensure the safety of others ultimately cost him his life— something we as nation should feel indebted to for eternity. 

the 24 year old from Nyack, NY was an equities trader who worked on the 104th floor of the south tower— he was also a member of Upper Nyack’s Empire Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. as a kid, his father gave him two bandanas where he taught welles that the one in his suit jacket pocket was “for show” and the one in his back pocket was “for blows.” as a way to remain connected to his father, welles carried that bandana with him in his adulthood. 

when the north tower was struck, Welles called his mother and left a voicemail. 

“mom, this is welles. i want you to know I’m ok.”

but sadly, this was not the truth. when welles’ tower was struck shortly after leaving that voicemail, his instincts as a firefighter kicked in. he wrapped the red bandana around his face to slow smoke inhalation and used his training to establish a safe passage down a bank of stairs for people to escape. crowthers efforts helped save at least 18 individuals from the fire that brought the buildings down. 

when welles got those folks to safety, he ran back up the south tower looking for others he could help. upon re-entering the building, the 1362 ft tall building collapsed in on itself, destroying everything in its path. Welles’ remains would be found a few months later alongside NYFD firefighters who also succumbed to the collapse. 

welles crowther was just one of thousands of heroes who answered the call that day. his story speaks to a testament to the american spirit. he saw people in trouble, and he selflessly responded. 

every year, i use 9/11 as a time for reflection. i was young when the towers fell, but i remember it pretty vividly. i’ve read enough stories on the genuine unity we all felt on september 12th to see the value in such a heinous act of terror. throughout my childhood, i always felt a real attachment to america and all it stood for— that carried over into my adolescence and then my adult life. as i’ve grown up to understand the motivation for the attack, it’s only strengthened by defense of american military action as a response—i’ve always believed this land is worth defending against any and all enemies. the greatest reflection i’ve experienced in recent years has been the shared privilege amongst americans— there’s a western privilege that unites us all. the ability to openly communicate, the access of information, indoor plumbing, gender expression, free speech, religious freedom— there places in the world where those are non-existent. there are people that don’t have the luxury to focus on such trivial issues. find the gratitude and recognize those who secure that freedom everyday. 

9/12 is the model for unity that America should abide by everyday— I think we’re bound to get back there.