We Were There, December 2, 2014

World Trade Center Recovery Worker Fred S. and Family Member Julie R. share their personal stories of September 11th in their 9/11 Tribute Museum presentation of We Were There on stage at the National September 11th Memorial Museum.
Fred was a volunteer firefighter on Long Island at the time of the attacks. After 9/11, he worked at Ground Zero on and off to first find friends buried in the rubble, and later to find human remains. He speaks of the moment that the mode of operation at Ground Zero switched from rescue to recovery, the psychological impacts that working on "the pile" had on him, and the struggles of not ever getting closure about the items and human remains that he discovered.
Julie's husband Brian was a passenger on United Airlines flight 175, the plane that crashed into the South Tower. She had been married to Brian for 2 and 1/2 years, and was a school teacher on 9/11. She recounts her day on 9/11, the twist of fate that caused Brian to be on the flight that Tuesday morning, and his last words to her on the phone.

[@jenna5908]

i know this was uploaded years ago, but hopefully someone sees this comment. my dad died in march of 2020 from a 9/11 related illness. he was a member of the nypd and was transporting prisoners with his partner when they say the towers get hit. he went right into the site to help and didnt get in contact with my mom until 9 pm that night. he worked for months on the pile, cleaning up and searching for people and personal items. he ended up being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized to his live in september of 2018. the stories he told me from that day and the months afterwards are terrifying, but important to never forget. as the anniversary of 9/11 approaches again, my prayers are with everyone who lost their lives and those who are still fighting for theirs after the medical repercussions of being a hero.

[@leonchalita2169]

So sorry to hear that Jen, your father was a hero

[@neondesertrye]

I'm happy the museum is doing this, every story is important to hear and remember.

[@xino_z]

Agreed!! So important to listen and learn from everyone💗🦋

[@cherylstaples1790]

Girl, how can people so easily forget what was done to us that day? Your story tears my heart. Tears are streaming down my face at how you honor and memorialize your Brian.

[@xino_z]

I'm so grateful you found the right words and put them here. I'm a mess this is just awful💗🙏

[@cyric2010]

Julies story is so sad, but Im glad that she got some answers that so many other families did not. RIP to all the victims.

[@jan_c]

His story was very powerful too. Very humble man. God bless both of them.

[@natashanyxx9486]

I’ve been watching these videos, but this is the second time that I’ve started crying today. I’m going to have to pace myself and let some time go by between videos.

[@michellestrickland3611]

All of these stories are very deep, to hear them makes you understand what all went on that day, other than what we know. It's heartfelt! I can't imagine loosing a parent, sibling, or significant other in these matters. My God! I almost teared up hearing this. I never been to the tribute museum, but when i do, I don't know how I will respond. Prayers goes out to all lost, their families, survivors and recovery teams.

[@Littlescienceguy]

Brian’s story was especially tough because he changed his regular schedule. If he kept his usual schedule he would have been spared. The irony. I’m so sorry for your loss.

[@mikeoxlong5304]

Brian Sweeney sounds like a guy I want as a friend.

[@jaiisrapture5920]

I've heard that recording. I'm so sorry for your loss and wish you happy days for the future 💗

[@jennifercorley7658]

Absolutely heartbreaking ❤️‍🩹

[@mirmir5080]

So so important thank u for sharing love to u all

[@melspati]

That phonecall gave her peace...🙏🏽

[@BUBBA808]

My dad had a friend who did body recovery oof

[@amy109]

My next door neighbor did it too. I can’t even imagine.. horrible