September 11, 2001: Victims’ families share stories from Ground Zero

September 11, 2001: Victims’ families share stories from Ground Zero

THE stories at Ground Zero are devastating, heartbreaking — and in some cases, truly terrifying.

It’s September 11, 2015, and as the tears roll through the strained faces of 9/11 victims’ families at a closed memorial service, the devastating mark left by the terrorists who plunged into the World Trade Centre fourteen years ago can still be felt today.

“YOU’RE my hero, you’re my son, God bless you ...”

“Your light is not diminished ...”

“Please say hi to grandma, love you now and forever ...”

During the ceremony to commemorate the 2,977 innocent people who lost their lives, the families approach the press, framed pictures in hands, and share the story of the family member who was, by chance, at a meeting at the World Trade Centre, or who decided to go to work even when they were sick.

These are a handful of their stories.

JOHN P. SKALA, PORT AUTHORITY OFFICER, EMT

Ground Zero

He was very outgoing, he loved his friends and he loved his job. He worked very hard, but played hard too. I didn’t realised how many lives he’s touched. Even today I’m hearing new stories and I’m reminded of the way he touched people. He was called to

“Jimmy was my fiance and domestic partner. We were engaged, we were going to be married in 2002. He was a fireman on 9/11, he had just graduated, on July 23. He was just six weeks out on the job, before that he was a paramedic. He loved helping and rescuing people.” - Gina Pinos come and help, he went back in a second time ...” - Irene Lesiw