9/11 Stories: John Bertels

John Bertels was working as a banking consultant at Battery Park Plaza, about a mile from The World Trade Center on 9/11. He had just finished up a phone call when a co-worker came running in to report a plane had hit The World Trade Center. Moving to a room that had a clear view to the towers, they saw smoke billowing out, and suddenly, another plane flying at a very low altitude. As they both wondered aloud “What is going on?”, the plane swept by their window, flying right into the second tower, exploding before their eyes. The shock wave sent them running from the room, fearing their windows would shatter. Higher-ups quickly closed off that room, to prevent others from being exposed to the unfolding horror. Minutes later, the office workers were told to go down to the lobby. From there, they heard a barrage of noise and sirens, with no idea what was going on. There were no smart phones at the time and the few who had cellphones weren’t getting a signal. In what felt like a major earthquake, everything shook, and they helplessly watched a cloud coming down Broadway, followed by the collapse of the second tower. With fears their building’s integrity was compromised, the office workers were told to leave. After sheltering in another building a few blocks south, Bertels just wanted to get home. With the subways shutdown, he had to walk to his train at Grand Central Station, more than 6-and-a half miles away. As he walked, he watched as his burgundy colored shirt and black pants turned gray from the pulverized dust, all that was left of the once towering World Trade Center towers.
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[@protitikhan3861]

This project to record survivors stories is so important and appreciated. Thanks to all the participants for bearing their souls, telling their experiences to the best of their recollections, and the people who put this together. My way of memorializing the 20th anniversary of 9/11 is to watch these testimonials and gain a wider lens on this day of tragedy.

[@Ninja_Walrus]

We’ve all heard about or read stories, but actually hearing them directly, and uncut from the people themselves is such a conundrum of a beauty and heartbreak. These interviews of their stories, experiences and honoring the ones they lost will now be able to heard for generations and generations, long after we are all gone. I agree with you strongly, this project is very important and appreciated 💜

[@HeatherRose2023]

Not to marginalize any of the deaths, but looking back 22 years now, it’s a miracle less than 3,000 people were killed in the four attacks on that day. I remember watching the first building collapse live on tv and thinking at least 10,000 people had died in that one building alone. I will never forget that day.

[@californiahiker9616]

I can’t even imagine what it’s like to watch a huge plane hit a building from close up, knowing there are hundreds of people working in there, many of whom have just been murdered. And then live with those images. Thank you for telling your story, John!

[@yigalordbanette8044]

Ty so much for sharing your experience. It's neccesary for our children to hear it from someone who was actually there . I shared with my son who is 17 . Again ty

[@bluegreenglue6565]

Did he quote Rush's "Dreamline" at the end there? That would just be the best finale for a truly amazing story.

[@johnb.7149]

It is indeed a direct quote from "Dreamlines", courtesy of Professor Peart.... I am a very big Rush fan....

[@bluegreenglue6565]

@@johnb.7149 As am I! Neil died two weeks before my husband last year, and I've found my appreciation for their music has changed and deepened once again. Experience and context change perception and interpretation. I believe that is why I have been listening to this collection of stories related to 9/11 -- I need to know what happened that I couldn't bear to face at the time, and to know how precious and fragile each person who was there, and even we who weren't, is and are. Now I have "Good News First" in my head, and know which album I will be listening to next (loudly, in my car -- there is no "maximum volume" for Rush). Thank you.

[@trsalmon]

He did indeed.

[@johnb.7149]

@@trsalmon, yes, indeed.

[@laurelwood791]

Thank you for sharing, Sir. This day still,. 2 decades plus after the fact.....still blows us all away. It's still to this very evening....NONE THE LESS HORRIFIC. I don't know HOW you all are, but America prays for all and each of you. This is just still so beyond incomprehensable

[@ChristineDaley]

A lot of the same emotions and conditions as we are hearing from Maui. An event from the same playbook.

[@yigalordbanette8044]

No I'm sorry no

[@juliamarin4896]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@trsalmon]

Nice nod to Neil Peart at the end there.

[@johnb.7149]

@ Tim Salmon, thanks. It is so poignant and apropos to life. The Professor had an uncanny way with lyrics that told everyone's story.... "Tom Sawyer", "Red Barchetta", "Subdivisions", "Dreamlines".... and so many more.

[@aethanfriday3568]

Thank you for your courage and bravery sir!!!! You ARE a hero

[@FR_films]

How is he a hero?😂😂😂😂😂 all he did was see it happen then go home. Like many of us.

[@richardmclaughlin8345]

Mr. Bartels What about 'Wilson'?

[@johnb.7149]

Wilson is alive and well. We were part of the same group of people who was in the lobby of Battery Park Plaza.

[@richardmclaughlin8345]

​@@johnb.7149I'm sorry, it's been so long I forgo who Wilson was.

[@johnb.7149]

@@richardmclaughlin8345 , Wilson was sharing the office with me @ Battery Park Plaza on the 10th floor. We all evacuated down to the lobby, safely.

[@MshAhmxiO1]

He used his instincts to grab his belongings, but decided not to wear a protective N 95 mask. When people panic tunnel vision serves in their favour, but sometimes not.

[@johnb.7149]

The N95 mask was given to me at a point as I was walking, first east and then north, where I had already reached the outskirts of the affected zone. The air, at that point, was easier to breathe and the mask would have done little or no good. If you note in the story, I didn't say that I received a mask right away.

[@yigalordbanette8044]

You have to realize and know he was far away by then