John Cerqueira: Surviving the Towers | 9/11: We Remember | PBS North Carolina

After graduating From NC State University in May of 2001, John Cerqueira set out for the bright lights of NYC to take a job in finance at a company located at the World Trade Center. Just months later, during the September 11th attacks, John would find himself trying to escape the very building that had offered so much promise and opportunity.
In the new PBS NC special, 9/11: We Remember, North Carolinians share personal accounts of that terrible day. From narrowly escaping the World Trade Center to losing loved ones and colleagues in the collapse, we hear intimate accounts of tragedy, heroism and resilience.
9/11: We Remember premieres Thursday, September 9, 7 PM on PBS NC and streaming online and on the PBS Video app.
Learn more and explore more special programming: www.pbsnc.org/blogs/watch/9-1...
Support more programs like this by becoming a member of PBS North Carolina today.
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[@KlishDMS]

I attended a wedding in the spring of 2002 in Cary North Carolina. After the rehearsal dinner we met at someone's home to socialize. I introduced myself to a gentlemen and we started talking. It was John. His wife's sister married my cousin Dan. John told me he was in the towers on 9/11. I don't think I breathed for the next hour. Since it was only 6 months after the attack John told his story in vivid detail and graciously answered all my questions. When he was finished I looked around and noticed the room had filled with people. We were all dumfounded. I was at a lost for words and was barely able to utter "you are a real life hero." He said "nah, anyone else would have done the same thing." I teach 8th grade social studies. Every year I share John's story with my classes. Every single time I get a lump in my throat. I am truly fortunate to have crossed paths with John.

[@adrianrosado2223]

I would’ve never had the audacity to ask a survivor of 9/11 any questions, especially so soon afterwards!

[@thedeejaeebee5babee]

He's your family, that's amazing.

[@graziemille2454]

His comment that the first responders who ran into the building, knowing that they were probably not coming out….he said was more than heroism….was a touch of divinity. I have never heard what those brave souls did that day more perfectly described. Thank you.

[@mortalclown3812]

I know heroes have always been a part of humanity: it's just extraordinary to know how many were there that day. Everyone we knew at our firehouse was lost that day. Rest in paradise.

[@rocker76m88]

Agreed

[@jonawesolowski-thecommunit9968]

I thought the same thing when he said that

[@Mcat78]

He's not the only one who has said this. There are also pictures of them going up.

[@reginaldwalton9941]

I remember watching it all at work and how united the people became. I miss that US. I would not believe it if you told me that years later Mitch McConnel and other republicans would intentionally block a bill to extend free healthcare to the first responders suffering of all kinds of cancer - because that became a political chest piece to them in negotiating something they wanted from Democrats. This makes me so mad! How could any American vote for that? SMH

[@person.X.]

"Get off the phone. Get out right now!" His father was on the ball with that. One of the most disturbing things about 9/11 is how many people reached the bottom of the towers and were then told by security to go back to their offices.

[@jhandleybeats8771]

Never knew that? And people did or?? So they got told to stay and they didn’t make it?

[@person.X.]

@@jhandleybeats8771 Yes. Stanley Praimnath was one of those. He went back to his office and watched the plane come towards him. He hid under his desk as miraculously survived as it crashed into his floor. He would have been the only person on that floor I think to have survived so imagine how many were sent back to their deaths. See 1:20 in the video below were he tells about the security guards telling him to go back. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJW7ppJ9bpeFY6s

[@person.X.]

@@jhandleybeats8771 When American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower, Praimnath started to evacuate from his 81st floor office in the South Tower, but he returned when the security guards of the building said the South Tower was secure, and workers should return to their offices.[2] Whilst making a phone call from his office, he looked out the south side of the building and spotted United Airlines Flight 175 flying towards him. Praimnath froze up as the aircraft approached, unable to decide what to do, but at the last moment he dove under his desk just as the plane crashed into the building. The left wing sliced through his office and became lodged in a door 20 feet (6 m) from him.[3] Praimnath was bruised and exhausted, and covered in debris after the crash, which left him stuck and unable to escape on his own. (From Wikipedia).

[@jponigurl]

That’s what makes me sad to so many told to go back no danger here and then Stanley Praimnath he was one that went back up to his office and the plane hit secs later while he was on phone saw the plane coming at him and duck underneath his desk just in time. His story is everywhere if you haven’t heard it.

[@jhandleybeats8771]

@@jponigurl wtf I’ve missed so much! That’s crazy I’m gonna check it out, thankyou

[@ReveredDead]

The most disturbing thing I think future generations need to know about is the conditions that led to people jumping from 1000+ feet to their death. Remind people of the 150-200 people who either fell or made a fateful decision. And no it wasn't suicide. Had terrorists not crashed a fully fueled 767 into their building. They would've never in a million years made that decision. It's become the most taboo subject on any major disaster in history. But it needs to be talked about. The sacrifice those people made must be known forever.

[@RobinMayhall]

You are a true hero, John. As a disabled woman who uses a wheelchair, I have admired you since 9/11 and sent best wishes your way many times. You risked your own life to save another human being. Thank you.

[@TeamAldean]

I'm clearly obsessed with these stories....some are heart wrenching and others are miracles but after 22 years I'm still learning and trying to process these horrific events....😢

[@oliviae2176]

same here. there's still so much to learn... #neverforget

[@stephanienewton6618]

Same. Every story is a unique perspective. Actually 2 nights ago I had a dream I was trying to escape one of the towers knowing it was going to collapse any moment. What was weird about the dream is that I had to decide if I was going to go slowly down the stairs to help my elderly mom down or if I was going to bolt down because I still have a son living at home and he has health problems so would have a really hard time without me. My mothers instinct kicked in and I told my mom I had to go and she was on her own. I woke up feeling guilty and have been dealing with the guilt ever since. But I think a mothers instinct is very strong. I’m sure there were people who had to make similar decisions. I can’t imagine the guilt some people live with.

[@ellenchavez2043]

There is another video capturing people on the street. A young man is calling his mom to let her know he was okay and not at work. He explained that he stayed up to watch the over time game Monday Night Football, overslept for work and was very late. He said incredulously: "Monday Night Football saved my life!"

[@johnslomko4040]

I remember that story they interviewed him

[@sashek8451]

the medical and health fallout from the dust alone is beyond tragic

[@user-zm9xf7mo4p]

They reckon more fireman have died now from the after affects of the dust than the amount that died on the day of 9/11

[@paulmcgeever5343]

Yes and what is horrendous is how the goverment tried to deny that all those that suffered severe health problems and for some death from working at ground zero were not related.

[@c.2538]

100% I believe my father’s Parkinson’s is from 9/11 related exposure in the FDNY

[@FrankOConnor2016]

It’s surreal that they have him on camera during the actual event…

[@johnsilva9139]

Incredible really. I had to go back a couple of times to see why they highlighted that man running before I realized that was the narrator of this story. They must of looked through a lot of footage to find some where he appears.

[@v3ck1n]

I cannot get enough of these interviews.

[@donikquac]

Me either

[@bigcel42]

@@donikquac same here

[@draydensmir]

right .

[@ah3738]

I feel the same. What I actually like about them is listening to the heroism. It's humbling.

[@NicholasBlake84]

It's an addiction

[@briannaw716]

Wow he wasn't far from the impact zone...he is extremely blessed to be alive

[@pawel1545]

Blessed by whom? Why those who died in flames or jumped to death weren't f*cking blessed? Leave the idiotic religion out of this. The guy was lucky, that's all.

[@ReveredDead]

A lot of people actually were far closer. Dozens of people were from the 89th, 90th and 91st floors (two floors below the impact zone and the only floor some people survived from). Nobody on the floor above them, the 92nd floor would survive. Worse is the fact that in some videos showing the East side of Tower 1 from 8:46 am to 9:03, you can see probably 15-20 people jump from the East side windows of the 92nd and 93rd floors, likely cause they had a raging fire encroaching on them from behind because in some of the same videos at about 9:15, you can see flames starting to shoot out of the same windows those people jumped from.

[@Caprieye789]

@@ReveredDead is that video of the East side on here?

[@patton303]

John seems like a kind and thoughtful articulate guy. What a thing to happen to a kid straight out of college. He probably spent the rest of his 20’s dealing with PTSD and survivors guilt instead of doing the usual things young folks are supposed to do. Being young and having your first real job in NYC and then having it all pulled out from under you in an instant. Wow. Can’t even imagine it. God bless you brother.

[@deborahbergman3566]

I am off the subject here...but of course just disgusted and angered by these bast--- doing this to innocent Americans.....but uhh dude still looks hot. Still got it!

[@kingdavid3790]

Orio the Firefighter! A TRUE AMERICAN HERO! RIP My Man! You were the kind of person most of us only wish to be!

[@skrapelotto]

naah i would never wish to be that brave. That man is amazing alot of them are. But I couldn’t ever imagine being in their shoes. I even think about being a firefighter that day & Hearing what possibly has happened. I know for sure I couldn’t of stepped foot in that building. & I know many other firefighters did the same. But them Heroes who went up to save ppl knowing they were gonna die. UNREAL

[@sarahprice1375]

My absolute hero ❤️ what a true gentleman and guardian angel of all who couldn't make it. Orio is a legend for all the right reasons. Its people like him who should be canonised as saints. He was nothing short of amazing and his family must be so very devastated. I believe his wife is with him now. I felt for her and the children so much as a mother myself and its him who always stands out to me encapsulating the bravery of so many in 9/11 I'm in England and I am sickened by the terrorism our countries have endured with so many innocent people hurt.

[@pslay9324]

This still hurts 22 years tomorrow. You have not been forgotten. I was 35 when this happened and dropped to my knees in disbelief. I can't imagine having to make a decision like all our brave people did. I pray for all the family and friends of the lost. 💔💔🙏🙏🙏

[@theyclosechannelsthatspeak428]

You saved that disabled woman. Heros.

[@crystalinabacteria3430]

He was a hero amongst the others who helped a lady get out with the wheelchair. I cannot express my gratitude that they were saved. So sorry for those who lost their lives. They were heroes too 😢💔

[@IMSTRAIGHTUP150]

I heard a tower one survivor state that 9/11 is the first thing he remembers every morning and, the last thing he thinks about before he goes to bed every night. Some may think that he may need help or, should be seeking help for this but, I know that there’s nothing that will ever make the memories of that horrible day go away. The majority of us who was there or, were working in the ground zero area that day, knows the effects that day had on our memories. It has now been twenty one years and, to me and, many others, it seems like it happened a few weeks ago. I had medical treatment for my trauma, group therapy and, meetings with my church Priest but, the memories of that day will always be with me and, others who were there. Bless all of those who were able to get away from the towers and, ground zero. Always remember that despite what others may say, think and, believe, there are many of us who are not capable of hiding from our memories.❤

[@allencollins6031]

The morning and night thing makes sense.

[@charomejia-gm4yx]

That was John Dittmar a senior employee with CNA Insurance out of Chicago. He and a group of his colleagues were at a meeting in the South Tower's 105th flr when the 1st plane hit the North. He and his group were going down the stairs trying to evacuate and had reached the 74th floor when the 2nd plane hit the South. The plane hit btwn the 77 and 82 floor. He was on a business trip with 53 others. Only 7 survived. He and the few surviving coworkers had made it 8 blocks when the tower they were in collapsed. He says the screams of all the people that witnessed that are the first thing he hears each morning and the last thing he hears at night.

[@TrueCrimeChronicles9]

That gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. I can not fathom the terror of the trapped people or the rescue units went through. 😢

[@bsoz9759]

I was 34 years old. I had a 3-and-a-half-year-old and a barely 2-year-old. I live in New England but grew up in New Jersey about 40 minutes outside the City. I have not and I will not go to the Memorial Area. I can't do it, emotionally. Several days after 9/11, I noticed my 2-year-old had dark circles under his eyes. I put them to bed one night but checked on the lighting from the base of the stairs. I saw light coming from my 2-year-old's room. I went up the stairs and opened his door. The overhead light was on, and he was wide awake 2 hours after bedtime. He told me he couldn't sleep because he was so sad for the thousands of people who died. Then he told me he felt really sad for their families who would never see them again. We had a somber talk and he was able to sleep. That's when I knew I had an extremely empathetic child. He cares SO MUCH ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE IT HURTS HIM. He's now nearly 25 years old. He has found some ways to deal with it but he remains sensitive to others. He is a blessing to our family and to others.

[@billbigshlong382]

Bs, your child didn’t act that way at 2.

[@taffycat5049]

For the past 5 years, I have been coming to KZbin to watch 9/11 videos. I traumatize myself every single time. But still I come and watch again. Watching footage as the 2nd plane hit that morning still makes me say "Oh my God..." and scares me as if I'm watching it for the first time. I will never forget. 💗 🙏💗🙏

[@corrynthiaiam9205]

I do too. I was 17 when this happen. But I find myself every so often binge watching these videos.

[@RohrbachNotDiscovered]

Same! I was 9 months old on that terrible day and I watch in horror every time I watch videos from that terrible day

[@skrapelotto]

my mom is the same way. She’s 39 im 21 and we was watching these videos today

[@SagaraUrz]

Same, but researching what truly happened that day.

[@donikquac]

@@corrynthiaiam9205 me too

[@silversteel6312]

In an age of decadence, 911 serves to remind us all that life is precious and we should care for one another and society more.

[@TheBalkenende]

If you go through something like this together, you probably have a bond that lasts a lifetime.

[@valerieschoettmer9736]

I think what a lot of younger people just don't understand what this did to everyone and the full scope of the fallout. There was life pre- 9/11 and then there was this. The economy, safety, innocence, just everything was gone in less than a blink of an eye. I don't even know anyone that was killed that day, or even know someone that knew someone but it devastated me all the same.

[@RobinMayhall]

I agree, Valerie. I was trying to tell my teenage nephew a little about it, and I started by trying to explain how iconic the Twin Towers were and how much they meant to NYC, the U.S., and in some ways, the world. He was nodding, and I knew he understood me with his mind, but he could never feel it in his gut. Anyone over a certain age on 9/11 can just say to another, “Man, when the first tower came down …” and the other person just gets it. A symbol was ripped out of our lives that day, along with almost 3,000 innocent souls.

[@valerieschoettmer9736]

@@RobinMayhall yeah I was pregnant with twins that day and my husband was working at an airport and my oldest was in school. They both were on lockdown and I was unable to get to either of them. That fear almost sent me into preterm labor and that is what is so hard to convey. That absolute fear and desperation.

[@Alaska-me5jc]

It was the beginning of a silent war

[@scotie690]

It’s noticeable that everyone remembers that the forecast was amazing that day. And then our world changed forever. It’s like being on the eye of a cyclone. I admire the survivors like John that can tell us with so much detail their horrendous experiences. My blessings and thoughts for those who aren’t here anymore

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

thefts?

[@sweetpiece6922]

Regardless of what ppl think about 911....have some respect for the people who died just going to work....just feeding their families....or working to help Americans continue to have what we have...so many businesses were in those buildings. Our whole financial institution and infrastructure was being worked on and held together by those people. Our bank accounts....stock market investments we've made...our whole daily way of life was being taken care of by those buildings. So however you feel....for whatever reason....if your living here....you have roof over your head.....food in your house.....a job....and a means to make your family strive.....shut up and don't forget those ppl died that day just so they could help us.

[@rocknroller77]

Exactly

[@jonathancheetham7683]

Side note. John is rather gorgeous

[@ah3738]

I was just thinking the same. Also well spoken.

[@PostalWorker14]

Lucky guy

[@phyld6491]

Right?

[@Gwantsa368]

I was 11 years old, watching live footage in Georgia (country). I ran outside to my mom, I didn’t know what I was supposed to tell her. I just said something like ‘something terrible’s happened in America mom, they’re shutting the whole country down’. Sounds so weird now. I don’t even know why I said that, or why I understood it that way, I must’ve been confused and didn’t know what I was looking at, but I knew it was beyond devastating. I’ll never forget. I won a scholarship 6 years later and started my exchange year in the US as a senior in high school. It had been the only dream I’d ever had in life. Seeing the New York City skyline for the first time with the famous twin towers missing, was eerie to say the least. I’d seen so many photos and they’d been like symbols of NYC for me.

[@est1989x]

I was 12 and I remember asking my mom that night if we’re going to be taken captive by the other country. It really felt like America had no protection that night.

[@thefarmerswifeknits6190]

The memory of the first responders is sacred.

[@youlllog9627]

Every year I see new videos from this horrific day. This is one of them. It's been almost 22 years and it STILL feels like this happened last year...or maybe 2 years ago. Still recall everything so vividly...although it felt like a dreamstate. 8:24, I was on the phone with my mom and had Peter Jennings on as the South Tower came down. My mom was wondering what happened and just said "I don't see it anymore..holy sh*t, the tower collapsed!" It just didn't seem possible, imaginable at the time. Still recall ABC's Jennings reaction of horror, and being speechless - "We're talking massive casualties...and ...[long pause] .....[whew]..." There were small little miracles that morning, Giants going into OT the night before...many headed into work a little later than usual because the game ran so late. Some went in later because they went to vote first, NYC Primary election. If this attack started 30-60 minutes later...1000's more would have been in these towers. Still, never forget those who perished that day - in NYC, The Pentagon and all on the planes, the absolute hell terror that they felt stuck in the buildings / planes. Just horrific.

[@mickeymouse4351]

After 22 yrs. I still can't wrap my head around horrific event. Even as this gentleman tells his own experience of that day. I'm glad he has been able to live his life even though it change him to a become the person he is today. I'm sad by all those who took their lives and weren't able to escape. I believe this was a warning to all here in the US that we can't control vour destiny. But we can make choices to improve our self and try to live with purpose and help those around us who need our help!!

[@nancyjones6428]

I learned at a very young age that you always vacate a burning building.

[@lilek3031]

The ones responsible knew exactly the everlasting trauma that this attack would have…This will forever be shocking no matter how many times I revisit these videos

[@pamelaklay4817]

I remember this day so vividly. My brothers and I were being homeschooled at the time. My mother called us from work and told us to turn on the TV. We watched the second plane hit, the towers fall, and hearing about the pentagon and flight 93. To this day I watch documentaries on 9/11. I think it is very important to keep it alive. For the victims and their families. It is painful and it hurts my heart every time I watch it but it shows how fragile life is and how important it is to love those around you because you never now when they may leave you unexpectedly.

[@truthwillrise3712]

These interviews are so vital. It is so deeply moving to hear their words of wisdom after surviving the unthinkable. Yes, love and relationships are the most important thing.

[@brianagarcia7387]

Never looked into 9/11 much idk why ? Here I am 22yrs old learning more and my heart is broken for anyone who had to suffer the consequences of these evil people that day even if they weren’t in. The building or helping out I cannot even imagine the pain

[@garethwood6659]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am from the UK and I still remember and feel that day for everyone. I will never forget and always care about our USA brothers

[@donnageorge3730]

That’s so very sweet and kind of you thank you

[@RobinMayhall]

So many of us in the U.S. love and care about you as well-our most special ally, the U.K.! 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@garethwood6659]

@@RobinMayhall Thank you for your kind words ❤

[@lilymargaret447]

Intensely inspiring. Always Remember. God Bless our Heroes and their families. Make SURE the survivors get 1000% great medical care. They have lost too much already.

[@DJWhylafihya]

i'll never forget the day after 9/11 I was in 5th grade in the school yard and nobody was playing... everyone was talking about what just happened and half of us were looking at the sky in fear of planes

[@pablo9364]

The 2001 firefighters somehow make other people look small and weak, especially now in 2023. Divine hero’s - an example to others. No one is worthy to walk in their footsteps .

[@KD-sz5bx]

This was such a riveting interview. I felt all of his words. True inspirations comes from those who put their life on the line and I am in awe of everyone who selflessly acts on saving the life of another. I try to aim to such stature.

[@kristinasper8223]

This man put thoughts and feelings into words that made the whole experience very relatable. Of all the 9/11 documentaries I've watched, I don't think any of them made me feel the feelings like this one did.

[@marierobinson3935]

😢 This is still so raw when you watch these videos😢

[@chantelyoung8190]

God kept this gentleman to be a living testimony to tell the truth of 911. He is blessed by God as he lives to tell his story.

[@BabySkinCondom]

but god said fuck all those other 2500 other people though, i guess

[@helenf.7221]

What a hero. He carried the disabled woman down 68 floors. Amazing human

[@leonardodalongisland]

I was working out with a friend in an outdoor weight "room" and we just finished and walked into to the main gym to see smoke rising from the first tower on a TV-thinking it was a story on how real computers make things look..until the second plane hit. Anyway, my (then) best friend who had worked as an elevator mechanic for years in the complex had been there and helped rescue people from the roof in 1993 was also there in 2001. He's scarred physically from breathing the air during the clean up and psychology from-well, the obvious. I used to be a professional pyrotech and he would come to some of my shows to watch me work-after September 11th he was never able to be close to any kind of explosions. I'm glad you made it out safely. and I understand your "need" to watch this type of footage-I just don't understand why-we do. Best to you.

[@elizabethpalumbo6516]

The world changed that day for sure. I worked for the same company as Mike and John. While I was in the home office in Randolph, MA we all watched in horror at the events that occured that day. One of my co-workers was on the phone with the office when the 1st plane hit and she started crying, we knew something was wrong, then we were all on the web glued to our computers watching everything unfold. While we were all in shock, I can't imagine what it was like to be there, the horror. Two of the planes took off from Logan Airport and my roomates husband would have normally been on the flight to LA, but his boss and family went instead, including his very young daughter. So many lives lost and a country united in tragedy....it is sad at the state of our country now. #neverforget

[@andrew5184]

Thank you for sharing some of the ways this horrific event has marked you and your proximity to those who were lost that day. I think for many of us who remember that day, whether we admit it or not, there’s life before 9/11, and life after. The world did change that day.

[@terryhaircastle5702]

@@andrew5184 very true indeed

[@IMSTRAIGHTUP150]

Thank you for acknowledging that. Many people were helping those who needed help. Race, creed and or, color wasn’t a factor on that day. That was a day of helping those who were in need.

[@IMSTRAIGHTUP150]

I believe I’m familiar with this story. Were they the couple with the two year old daughter. The father was speaking to their son-Peter when he heard him say, “Oh My God”. His mother had turned the television on just before the second plane-Flight 175 hit the second tower. Sorry for your lost and, May they all R.I.P.

[@mcal3602]

In an indescribable way I’ve never been so proud to be an American and that has never left me from that day forward. Even through all the sadness, horror and fear, I have never seen New York and this country unite and love one another than I had on that day,weeks and months following. I believe in us as people that we are capable of so much more than we give. Whether that be to your community, your friends, family, co-workers etc. Why do we need to be faced with tragedy and suffering in order to love, care and respect one another. I believe in “Us” as individuals, in “Us as a community, city, state, country and world. We hold the power to changing this world, our lives and the people around us. I wake up every day wondering what my purpose here is, how can I contribute anything to put love back into this world? I can start with the people that I’m surrounded by. We forget the value of people and how to treat people until we’re faced with losing them in any kind of way. I’m guilty of this myself, I wake up every day trying to be a better person than I was the day before. I sometimes fail miserably and fall short more than I’d like to admit. I believe in everyone except myself but I hope to change that. Changing this world starts with changing yourself and loving yourself. I don’t believe you can’t love someone unless you love yourself first. What started out as a comment regarding September 11th has turned into a form of soul searching but sometimes that’s painfully necessary to make changes that start with you.

[@robbiemarcum8878]

I live all you have said. Your a kind person. I have had people smile or say hello and it has made my day. I accidently cut in front of someone in a parking lot and she just smiled big and waved at me. I decided to start doing that. It has been many years and having that attitude has helped. Complimenting someone's smile , outfit or something can make someone's day. Just last week my 12 year old Granddaughter smiled a woman at the gas station. She came up to us to say she made her day.

[@mcal3602]

@@robbiemarcum8878 that’s how we change the world, by starting with ourselves. Look at the difference in waving someone on opposed to cursing them out. You’ll be a positive role model in your granddaughter’s life. A few days ago I had a random person do something really crappy that will affect my life in a negative way. These experiences with people make me lose hope. Thanks for your response, be well

[@robbiemarcum8878]

@mcal3602 I have been there on someone doing something that will change my life too. It affected my children too, so it was hard to deal with. I'm trying to use life as a way to be able to understand what others go through and let them know I understand. I for sure have had my mad and crying times. I hope you know your comment really helped me. Thank you. You are still a great person that cares about others. That is powerful.

[@mcal3602]

@@robbiemarcum8878 thank you so much for your response. It gives me hope that most people are just people like myself trying to get through the day and life. If my comment touched one person or made someone feel like they’re not alone in a world of problems then it was worth it. My life has been falling apart the past 2 years and I’ve been searching for a deeper meaning to life. There has to be more to it then this. The good thing about hard times is it brings you On sort of a spiritual journey and healing. In order to get to that place a whole lot of pain has to surface. I hope you find your place of healing and peace. It’s beyond nice to see someone respond with a positive comment opposed to the negativity and outright meanness of people. Keep your head up, your journey’s not over. Your story has yet to be told.

[@mcal3602]

@@robbiemarcum8878 we also have to keep in mind that life is about learning a lesson. I do believe we will keep reliving the same crappy day over and over until we learn from our mistakes. Kind of like groundhog’s day lol. I tell my husband that, until God, karma, the universe or whatever you want to call it, {we’re all talking about the same thing} feels that we genuinely learned our lesson than nothing will change. I also believe that we’ll keep getting sent back here until we get it right for whatever our purpose is but who knows.

[@peggybassett2634]

You and Tina, and your boss are so lucky to be alive.❤ Rip all the people who died that awful day. God bless yall.

[@thebeatgoeson8484]

I dont have many memories when 10 years old but i remember that day. Watching that second plane going in the tower live on the news was surreal.

[@robertwillhite9077]

John's story is amazing, as are all these others I am seeing her online. I keep imagining myself in their shoes and I'm not sure if I would have made it out myself. I have not been to New York City and thus have not visited the memorial. It is on my bucket list though. I did visit the Flight 93 memorial here in Pennsylvania and it was an eye opening experience. My prayers go to all of these people affected as I'm sure many still struggle with the thoughts of the events of that day.

[@bigcel42]

Well spoken account of one of, if not the most historical days in our lives. Great listen. Never forget.

[@irenedemarco1354]

September is a hard month for me...and i always come back to 9/11 stories... I know the heartache of losing a loved one.... Its amazing so many did survive... I feel for the families who lost loved ones... 💞✌️🙏

[@sandraguidemann8924]

Courage❤

[@kckgirl78]

Sir, I pray that you are doing well in 2023. Thank you for sharing your experience. 🥀🙏🏽

[@terryhaircastle5702]

This was an extremely well produced film. Really good chap, too.

[@tasha1955]

I'm not American, I'm so sorry to the losses every American felt that day. We felt that, we really did. My father remembers watching it on TV at around teatime (I was too young to remember it), the shock that came as the events progressed and worsened. The brave first responders, running up those stairs as everyone went down, those bodies falling from the sky. As though hell had come to earth. Everybody who gave their lives to save others are angels. God bless you all.

[@Leahd_279]

As someone who wasn't born when this occurred. I will never forget an event that happened prior to my existence. I think technology and cameras at the time and also eye-witnesses events allow you to so vidly connect to that day. I force myself to emphasize with the people who struggled and died and what that would have been like as a way of showing my sympathy to those lost. Although i was not alive the day this occurred i vidly remember the time i first found out this happened. I had a 3DS (no phone) about maybe at like 10 years old and I stumbled across a documentary on youtube and just remember how insane the whole thing was and how much I cried seeing the events of that day.

[@FFEMTB08]

We must interview these survivors. This is history that must never be forgotten.

[@flipparachemontana699]

Everytime i watch something about 9/11...i put myself in the tragedy as if i was there

[@bronwynj5194]

Your stories are incredibly important for everyone even though it's all difficult to see and hear about. Thank you for telling us. I hope you are able to live a good life despite this horrific tragedy.

[@orleysmith4852]

I feel so compelled to understand better what they all went through, what it was like, and what it must have felt like to go through such a horrible thing

[@lynneboll4259]

Well said, I love the comment of divinity’s presence. He and his boss are also surely heroes for rescuing not only the handicapped woman, but thereby galvanizing the remaining staff to take action to leave.

[@amyschreiner4504]

Yes, you are right! They were going to die either way. Burning alive would have been an unbelievably painful way to go!

[@shortcake5472]

Thank you for sharing. What a great message of love and hope. We are with you. Love from CO.🙏❤️

[@oochiewally2783]

RIP to ones that lost their Lives . I was 24 yrs old at the time, my friend worked on the 36th floor ... I tried calling him at house in the city to see if he worked that day but the phones were dead . so i ended up taking the train to the city but they blocked off anyone going down below canal street ...few days after I ended up working with a cleaning company a friend of mines owned and we cleaned for 2 months...it was bad I would get headaches everyday on the train ride back home...I ended up getting asthma too

[@zachromero5637]

Thank you and God bless you

[@cynthiamarston2208]

Thank you. That’s truly remarkable.

[@carlapsalms2334]

Binging 9/11 documentary videos again..

[@pennwoman]

Such a nice man.

[@bellehorse]

Beautiful Testimony

[@jenrferruso]

GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY BFF WENT TO HEAVEN ON THE 83RD FLOOR SOUTH TOWER, AND MY BFF NUC FIREMAN GOT BACK --- LOVE YOU TRULY KNOW THE LORD IS WITH US!

[@CodCats]

love you John, same name as my Dad, happy you're okay so so sorry for having to go through that thanks for sharing, I was just a kid when it happened but remember watching it on tv

[@saje-ny3nl]

Thank you for the film, in honor and memory of all the victims and those who risked their lives trying to save. Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱

[@suerushton3709]

This shouldn't ever be forgotten! What ever your thoughts on why it happened! God Bless all involved 🙏

[@jayla3377]

The thing that blows my mind about 9/11 is no matter how many stories you hear you can’t imagine what it would feel like to be trapped in that building watching walls collapse and fire.. smh

[@DPMusicStudio]

Excellent. Really well done. Thank you.

[@Sushi2735]

There is no way to forget this nightmare anymore than my parents could forget Pearl Harbor.

[@donnageorge3730]

That was a horrible day as well

[@SharleneMcKinnon]

This was an incredible interview. Thank you!

[@teriyakileverage1672]

this is so sad, rest in peace to all who suffered from this tragic event. It’s truly still jaw dropping to watch.

[@patjimenez3958]

I will never forget, Thank You John

[@joanneaurica3189]

Beautifully, deeply, and soulfully stated from John Cerqueira. Thank you for this.

[@judyhoffman7290]

Thanks for sharing! Bless you!

[@Sushi2735]

Bless you and keep you! May you find ways to give back for your good fortune ❤️

[@marymckay7154]

Beautiful message!

[@brittanyd3173]

11minutes- I am so thankful for this videographer and others like them. Amazing footage. Just insane.

[@ah3738]

🙏 This is an excellent interview.

[@Hof79905]

Fantastic perspective.

[@sandinyabumcrack]

Great interview! ❤

[@angelp.5224]

Great interview and the perspective is life changing as he says

[@justinsmith4941]

Survivor interviews from are remarkable and of history and how tragic that day was

[@FriendofDorothy]

Sorry to be so superficial amidst a very grave topic but were this man seeking an acting career I think casting agents should take note. He is most handsome and charismatic and faintly reminds me of Montgomery Clift. I love the way he focuses on the heroes of this disaster rather than just his own harrowing escape. I hope he is doing well and did not get any serious lung conditions from the debris and smoke. This was an excellent presentation.

[@adike5]

still unbelievable

[@smassey6848]

His insight is inspiring!

[@WithDiameter]

It still only seems like just yesterday

[@catherinesinclair7727]

Wow he seems so calm

[@JackSmith-kp2vs]

@catherinesinclair7727 20 plus years of reflection will do that

[@christofferhoff6669]

Very cool interview!

[@donnieraveling188]

a priceless video.

[@christaselig6735]

How could anyone possibly discuss this with a smug smile on his face? Only on PBS.

[@sublimeknowing8]

yOU WOULD THINK PEOPLE WOULD LOVE EACH OTHER AFTER THAT.

[@traceycamille]

God bless him 🥺💙

[@mikekron6968]

I was SO comforted by the voice of Katy Kourik ..... OMG :(

[@robinperronjones5024]

If you step back and think exactly what happened, the mind set of the people who thought and carried this heinous act out, are totally devoid of any humanity that defines a human being.

[@donnageorge3730]

I wonder if any of those bastards remains were found

[@coll4455]

God bless

[@louisethomson3856]

No words x

[@metsdudenj]

stunningly good looking man