Twenty-four years after the September 11 attacks, Americans continue to reflect on the tragedy that claimed 2,977 lives. The attack remains the deadliest terrorist act on U.S. soil. Among those killed were Gary, Doug, and 656 other colleagues from Cantor Fitzgerald.
The author survived because he took his oldest son to kindergarten that morning instead of going to work at the World Trade Center’s North Tower. He recounted receiving calls from his brother Gary during the attack, which he was unable to answer before learning later they were meant as a final goodbye.
After hearing about the plane striking the building, he went downtown and waited at the base of the tower for survivors among his friends and coworkers. None emerged.
He noted how people often underestimate the significance of their colleagues in their daily lives, pointing out that many spend more time with coworkers than with family members.
