THE world watched in horror 20 years ago as al-Qaeda terrorists flew planes into New York’s twin towers. Nearly 3,000 people – including 67 Brits – were killed in the 9/11 attacks, which also crash…
"THE morning of September 11 started like any other — a beautiful, clear blue sky and an early start in my office on the 84th floor of the South Tower.
"So we were actually heading back up to our office when the plane hit our building. Six of us from Euro Brokers were in a corridor between stairwells when we heard the dull thud. The lights flickered, ceiling panels fell on us, with dust and debris everywhere. "Miraculously, we found a hidden door, which opened on to another staircase, and we started to make our way down. With coughing and crying coming from every direction, there was debris everywhere — and the poor woman with the injured arm.
"I was still wearing my blood-soaked work shirt, stumbling around. Without my compass point of the Two Towers, I felt lost. The strangest thing was how eerily quiet it was — this was the noisiest city in the world but there wasn’t even bird song. "Children in school today were not yet born when the attacks took place, and it’s vital that they learn about the attack and its ongoing impact.
"She’d been on the phone with him when his tower went down, so there was no doubt, which I actually see as a blessing — we could have had days and days of doubt. "All flights were grounded after the attacks, so getting to New York took me several flights and about three days, which was horrible — wanting to be with my mum and my younger brother, Matthew, who has Down’s syndrome.
"Since then, I’ve channelled the positivity of my dad and New Yorkers to make the world a better place. Dad’s favourite lyric was “Take a sad song and make it better”, which is my mantra."I’ve volunteered for several amazing charities, including Since 9/11. It educates the kids of the future to stop the Islamophobia, which was the root cause of this."Dad always said he wanted to be buried in his home town, but of course his body was never found.
"With no confirmation of Geoff’s death and no body found, we had to stay positive. Reuters flew us out to New York four days later and we were driven to check at hospitals. But after visiting a few wards then going to Ground Zero, we soon realised we would never see Geoff again. He was gone. "We wanted it to be a celebration of Geoff’s life, with champagne flowing and lots of laughter. It’s what he would’ve wanted.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også læse nyheder, der ligner denne, som vi har indsamlet fra andre nyhedskilder.
Woman, 20, handed a caution after man's bottom allegedly slapped in a nightclubHannah Phillips, 20, of Havant, Hampshire, had been due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court in connection with the incident which happened on August 5
Læs mere »
20 empowering baby names inspired by feminist iconsIf you're looking for a name with a bit of oomph, girl power and a fantastic meaning behind it, look no further.
Læs mere »
Hurricane Ida smashes into Northeast leaving at least 20 deadTwenty people are thought to have died after New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania were hit by severe flooding. More than 60 million people in the northeast are under flash flood watches.
Læs mere »
Kate Garraway's husband sleeps 20 hours a day amid Covid ordeal 'He goes white and pale'KATE GARRAWAY has shared a candid update on her husband Derek Draper's health, saying he sleeps for 20 hours a day a year on from contracting COVID-19.
Læs mere »
Afghanistan: Despair of Brits and UK allies stuck behind Taliban linesAn NHS worker, a teacher and families trapped in Afghanistan tell the BBC about their plans now.
Læs mere »