9/11 Stories: Alex Calvi

On September 11, 2001 30 year old Alex Calvi was at work, heading into a seminar, when he passed a tv at work and saw a plane had hit The World Trade Center. Alex wasn’t even aware his older brother, Gino, was on the 105th floor of the first tower to be hit, the north tower. 34 year old Gino had just started his new job as bond trader at Cantor Fitzgerald two weeks earlier. All Alex knew was that he worked in Lower Manhattan.
Alex went to his seminar as scheduled, but after 45 minutes, as they took a break, he found 30 co-workers in front of the tv and quickly learned of the second tower hit by a plane. Alex immediately went into worry-mode, calling his then-girlfriend (and now wife, Rebecca) asking her to get in touch with his sister-in-law to see if Gino was ok. Ten minutes later, Rebecca called with the news that Gino worked in one of the towers.
Alex’s dad, meanwhile, was on his way to work as a dental technician in Brooklyn and was stopped at the Goethals Bridge. Traffic to New York City was shutdown.The city was on lockdown. The dad watched both towers collapse. He was literally watching the murder of his oldest son.
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[@Littlescienceguy]

Every time I listen to one of these about workers in the towers, and I hear they worked in Cantor Fitzgerald, my heart just sinks. :(

[@californiahiker9616]

Thank you for telling your story, Alex. It probably was harder on you than you thought it would be after all that time. It’s heartbreaking not to have your brother’s council, or just be able to hang out, meet up for holiday meals. A loss like that will be felt forever. All the best to you and your family!

[@lisajackson9759]

Just want to give you a hug Alex. You have a very brave exterior but I hope you are able to just let yourself cry sometimes. You seem like a really kind soul.

[@cindypltnm]

Those people in the upper floors of the north tower never had an option to evacuate. I can’t imagine how terrified they all were. RIP to all the victims and to your brother.

[@brookebaker9867]

I think what really gets me about those people is that many of them had been there for the 1993 bombing and remembered that people had been evacuated from the room. So they tried to go up to the roof and the door was locked. I was 10 years old on 9/11 and when I saw the people jumping from the windows on tv and after I asked my mom why they would do that, my mom explained that they were probably trapped and had to choose whether to burn to death or jump. She went on to say that jumping was faster and less painful. I remember laying in bed that night wondering what I would do in that situation and imagining how terrible it must be to be trapped like that.

[@alc6284]

Even though this interview sounds matter of fact , I can feel the heartbreak. Prayers to you and your family ❤️

[@ladybolski]

The loss of guidance and reassurance, the one guy you need the most in times like this. I’m very sorry for your loss.

[@Qweenqweenbutterfly]

He misses him soooo bad..I'm so sorry they took him away.😢

[@jerryloufretz1797]

What a heartbreaking loss. I am so sorry for your loss.

[@icecreamcoveredchocolate359]

Thank you sharing your story - it is really touching to hear you talk about your relationship with your brother. Sending you and your family very best wishes.

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

I think no one from Canter Fitzgerald survived.They were on the 105th floor above the impact.

[@Pennyk900]

Just a few survived Cantor Because they were late getting to Work that day. Alot of that happened that day. People that were supposed to be at work at the twin towers. Thank God did not go in. For what ever reason.

[@lorilazise1521]

😥

[@kellwood1404]

I think there were 4 survivors in the building(s).

[@solsticebaby]

There was one guy who had gone downstairs to get a couple people who were arriving for a meeting there. They had forgotten their IDs. The plane hit right after he arrived in the lobby.

[@juliamarin4896]

I'm so sorry for your loss. The song, "He ain't heavy, he's my brother" comes to mind... Thank you for sharing your story.

[@lorilazise1521]

I just read your comment (the song lyrics) and burst into tears. So so tragic!

[@moniquem783]

My Dad had that song at his funeral to honour his brother who donated bone marrow which gave Dad 4 extra years. A beautiful song.

[@juliamarin4896]

@@moniquem783 It really is...how lovely. :) I'm really sorry you lost your dad. Mine passed away about 4 years ago now. Amazing how time flies after the initial grief of it all.

[@moniquem783]

@@juliamarin4896 it’s just gone 9 years now since losing him. Time does indeed fly doesn’t it. It’s a bit scary and sad, but it’s part of the healing too. Of course you always wish he was still here, but as the years go on the tears dry up. Except on anniversaries and birthdays of course. I’m sorry you lost your dad too. I found the 4-5 year phase very difficult. I was starting to heal and feeling quite guilty about it. I’m not sure if that was later than usual for me as Mum also had to fight cancer right in the middle of our grieving which could well have messed usual timings up, but if you are in that phase still please try to remember that you are supposed to heal and it’s not something to feel guilty about. Sending you a virtual hug 🤗

[@juliamarin4896]

@@moniquem783 Thank you so much Monique! I appreciate that. I am totally fine now. In fact, truth be told, the grief wasn't because of any special relationship lost, it was because he just threw me away like so much unwanted "fill in the blank" that he never wanted to know or deal with...it was tragic to me in the end. But I am okay. I always felt that I had a heavenly father instead, so that was more than enough for me. The problem is that I couldn't spend much time with Him either since I work all the time to try to support myself. But I'm not complaining. I feel blessed to have my pets and the ability to work and hopefully support us all. Take Good Care - :)

[@kylewright1777]

That's why there should be parachutes in every high rise building, its better than jumping without 1, yes people will get injured still and some will still lose there life but it's better than having no chance at all.

[@jas0206]

For some reason there’s an additional layer of tragedy for victims who had only just started a new role. I’ve heard so many stories of people who were only in their second month, second week, and even second day of employment.

[@shaniaday2739]

Thank you so much Alex for sharing your story about your Brother Gino. God Bless you and your family. I think I have listened to everyone's story on this KZbin Channel and I will continue to.

[@sarahito8951]

This poor guy.

[@lorilazise1521]

So sorry for your huge loss, Alex! May you find comfort in your memories. God bless.

[@hakufierce]

Thanks for sharing Alex. 🙏 💐 Rest In Peace Luigi. ♥️

[@debrakiddoo318]

I think he is really heartbroken. My deepest sympathy for the loss of Gino.

[@moniquem783]

I’d never really thought about how overwhelmed with calls the police departments and hospitals etc must have been. So many gone and so many that got out but hadn’t been able to contact anyone is a huge amount of families desperately trying to track down their loved ones.

[@rachmunshine9474]

People were going to Hospitals and calling them for weeks. Kind of like in a daze. Reporters came across some of them and momentarily interviewed them. Also, the walls outside stores and restaurants across the city, filled with photos and descriptions. They are hoped that their family member was either semi conscious or had amnesia I think. Being the first night they were really really hopeful they were people in different voids…. Because they had found a few people right at the top like we’re everything landed if they were in the right spot. But nobody wanted to face reality. Because it sucked so bad and was so unfair. Thank God I didn’t have anyone in my family directly related or involved I should say and I was so traumatized, I can’t even imagine. 😢

[@kathleenwindsor5679]

I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️

[@karenmbbaxter]

I have only watched a few of these stories but the last story I watched was similar where a woman who's brother also worked in Wall Street......She had no idea that when someone said Wall street their office was often in those Twin Towers. She found out from her brother that her other brother worked there........She worked for The NY Governors office at the time if this info helps.......I think it is just helpful to talk to people who had similar situations to your own.

[@scarletbegonias8991]

I heard an interview like this too...could have been the same one, I'm binging these because I had thought I had watched everything I could find over the years, so these are a treasure for us now and for all of history. It's like listening to titanic survivors and this impacted being interviewed on tape now.

[@AntonandSinan]

She is a Greek lady, I saw that interview too. Her name is Anthoula Katsimatides

[@carolrolleri7164]

Hi Alex. Sorry for your loss of your brother Gino.. My condolences to Chris his wife Blessings and Christ's Love to you all.

[@devonthemaskeddevonaire9471]

i think alex you carry your brothers legacy peace to all the family

[@alsal256]

This is by far the saddest 911 story in this channel. He gives an amazing summary of his brother Gino and how he meant to him. So sorry Alex for losing your brother❤

[@annashafto8823]

God Bless you, Alex and your family. From a fellow Paesan

[@punkyspray]

God bless the victims, survivors and their families. ❤️🙏💪

[@taffycat93]

I love him saying "He would never have told them his name was Gigi"! That made me laugh out loud. It hurts my heart when he starts to break down but continues talking thru the tears. RIP Gino. 💗🙏💗🙏

[@Indigo00eyez]

I’m so sorry. I was born in 67 too.

[@tomlame1262]

Did the sprinkler system not work??

[@stevendaniel8126]

No...

[@KarmasAbutch]

This guy reminds me of a psychopath rattling off what he had for breakfast in the middle of describing a crime. Its weird.

[@californiahiker9616]

Everybody deals with grief in a different way. Some thoughts you have need to stay with you.

[@KarmasAbutch]

@@californiahiker9616 maybe lead by example and take yer own advice next time duh!

[@californiahiker9616]

@@KarmasAbutch 😻

[@lynda4661]

Love to you .. your brother is with you always

[@zitiden4745]

Look in the mirror psycho. WOWWWWW!

[@sarahmilner8483]

RIP Gino and Alex I'm so sorry for your loss xx

[@sassyt1545]

My mom worked at a financial firm in San Francisco. She told me about one of the young traders in the firm, who came into her office and gave her a big hug goodbye on his last day of work in August of 2001. Just a few years out of college, he was so excited, he had landed his dream job in New York. My mom really liked him and was happy for his new career opportunity, but sad to see him go. He was hired at Cantor Fitzgerald and died a month later on 9/11. My mom was heartbroken. She always remembered him, especially every Sept. 11.

[@sarahmilner8483]

Thats so sad and also lovely xx

[@thefruitfulfarmhousewithchris]

😢

[@brettcomstock1156]

Thank you, sir. Thanks, Alex. I also lost my older brother, suddenly. It wasn’t a nationwide tragedy, like 9-11, but as far as your emotions and dealing with the aftermath of it all, I can relate to a degree. I share your thought that you will see your brother again, one day. It’s that thought that sustains me enough to withstand the… tough days. Thanks again. ☮️

[@lesliepropheter5040]

I’m watching this on Oct 13, 6 days after Hamas attack on Israel, their 9/11 X 5 ….. Hearing these 9/11 stories from survivors and families is a precious gift, thank you Barasch and McGarry. There is no mention of hate towards the Arab countries that sent the hijackers to train as pilots for their jihad against Americans. That is much appreciated, just love and survival as best as they can cope with the loss and bare heart felt honesty with the memories. The attack on the World Trade Center towers was the same evil as today 2023 - RIP innocent victims

[@vickiladu6755]

I’m sure it was more like a nightmare!

[@melvingoode7625]

Hr