South African Reacts to BOATLIFT An Untold Tale of 9/11

[@collectgemsosrs6298]

Let's also not forget all the dock workers! They re-fueled every boat for free all day at every port!!

[@TheGelatinousSnake]

Bravery isn’t being without fear. Bravery is choosing to help despite fear.

[@taratheshinyabsol768]

Exactly! Everyone thinks that being brave is not being scared. No, it's being scared of something but doing it anyways.

[@johndalessandro6433]

Couldn't have said it better. New Yorkers made us all proud that day. As sad a day it was, many showed bravery and patriotism . 23 years later I still get emotional about the attack, but even more, was our response. Why can't we come together without a tragedy ?

[@patriciamccormick9321]

Some of those men shown were the same ferry pilots and crew members who were on the ferries came together to rescue the survivors of Flight 1549, Miracle on the Hudson, in 2009.

[@cottonhiker]

This might sound weird, but when I see a video like this of a non-American reacting to the tragedy of the 911 attacks nearly with tears in their eyes, I literally swell up with pride, and I’m so glad that we’re allies!? 🇺🇸💪🏼🇸🇰

[@IssacG.]

We’re really not 🤣🤣 🇺🇸🇸🇻🇮🇱🇲🇽 Slava Ukraine

[@NOxSPLOOSHxPLANE]

South Africa is a strategic partner of the United States, with strong collaboration in the areas of health, education, environment, and digital economy, Politically South Africa is currently a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, which more or less means that it is not aligned with any of the larger nuclear powers, and so we maintain a neutral stance in world affairs

[@LandSharkEatsU]

@@IssacG. Yes, we are.

[@jacket5456]

There are more and more people starting to see the world without borders. I have hope for the coming generations. Astronauts are some of the most wise people in the world, you know why? They've seen the Earth with their own two eyes, and it didn't look like a schoolroom globe, there were no borders. It looked like a beautiful green heaven, there's no conflict to be seen. Until, well, 9/11. That day, astronauts did in fact see the ash and chaos. But, we've gone 22 years without another incident like it, I think it might be that way for a long long time. I hope.

[@darkwater6416]

​​@IssacG. What are you on dude, you do realize that he is Slovakian not Russian, right.

[@liamengram6326]

"I'd never wish for another 9/11, but I would do anything for a million more 9/12s" Lost my uncle on 9/11. The pain my father experienced knowing his brother was basically evaporated out of this world, and the way he handled it has molded my life in ways I didn't even realize over the last 22 years.

[@shannonflahertycardo1163]

For me, it's forever that statement at 9:42. "When that call came on the raido, they were coming." Chills every time. The uncertainty of what was happening, the uncertainty of what more could still be about to happen didn't matter. They mounted instantly to help. There is no better example of humanity right there. And the same gentleman minutes later, "If it floated and it could get there, it got there." Just powerful!

[@hannahhester8376]

Absolutely recommend watching the video about Gander Newfoundland. When 9/11 happened, there were planes coming from overseas, bound for the US obviously the US airspace was shut down, so they had to reroute to Canada. Gander used to have the biggest airport, they were the last place to fuel up for a cross Atlantic journey. Anyway, the town had 38 planes land, housed and fed 7,000 people for 5 days. The story has been made into a Broadway musical called "Come From Away."

[@camillep3631]

That is a great video, what that community did was simply astonishing

[@fridaylong2812]

Excellent idea.

[@wheredidthetimego8087]

Yes that was Awesome!

[@danajohnson4757]

Awesome video!! 💕

[@kathyjenema8366]

incase we never said...thank you

[@carolinelawson9981]

As Americans it's what we do. We set aside our differences and we help during disasters.

[@wheredidthetimego8087]

The American people need to pull together Now as well. 🇺🇸 Fly it High 🇺🇸

[@killiansred1000]

We come from all over the world and identifying yourself as an American is what has held this country together for so long.

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

i have said it many times... one of america's greatest hobbies is to fight, bicker, and argue with each other about stupid shit like politics, religion, who has the best BBQ or sports team. but when the shit hits the fan, we have a strange ability to pull together and become an unstoppable force that would even make the gods of Olympus stand in awe.

[@denisestahl2796]

I stopped on a busy interstate after a horrific traffic accident and held a man until he passed away. He was beyond help but not alone.

[@aletmartins6940]

There’s another inspiring story. When the airspace closed down, planes that were en route from Europe to USA had to return or land somewhere in Canada. The small town of Gander took in 35 or 37 planes, housed and fed the passengers for days until they could leave. Amazing hospitality.

[@jonograhamreacts]

That is amazing

[@LlamaLlamaMamaJamaac]

I was just going to suggest this!! It was 38 planes totaling 7000 passengers/crew, in a community of about 9000! There’s a few documentaries about it… and probably my favorite theatre musical of all time, Come From Away was also made about the story. The script was based off of interviews from a 10th anniversary gathering. Seriously, THE most heartwarming thing to ever appear onstage!

[@aletmartins6940]

What was also heartening about Gander was that several of the passengers donated a lit of money to be used as scholarships for the kids in the community - those teenagers were helping out in many ways during the “invasion” and school was closed as it was used to house passengers. Not sure if the scholarship is still running, but at the ten year anniversary of 9-11 it was.

[@yvonnephillips3888]

One of the worst images I will always remember, is that of people jumping out of the building. After it all fell and they were looking for survivors and bodies, body sniffing rescue dogs were used. The dogs had bleeding and cut up feet but kept working. Some were so traumatized they couldn't be used ever again. How blessed we are to not have gone through this.

[@hollyhilliard1603]

Heroes don't run away from danger, they run towards it. Kudos to these men and women.

[@RockyNikolashin]

With all the natural disasters Americans experience, we have learned to help each other out. I remember the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. I was five miles from the epicenter and the ground felt like waves in the ocean. We have earthquakes regularly on smaller scales, but that one was bad. I was only 14 at the time, but I remember seeing everyone come together to help where they could. In those times, we drop all the differences and remember that "United we stand, Divided we fall." Peace

[@ccormx]

This is the best comedy I’ve heard all day. “It’s cuz we have tornados so we like America” omg, poor child.

[@RockyNikolashin]

@@ccormx Interesting. That's not even close to what I said. But if you need to sit in some perceived superiority to boost your ego, go ahead. Enjoy!

[@judyhuurman1237]

@@RockyNikolashin There is always an a**hole willing to troll. Ignore him.

[@maryannweitzel5636]

You are correct. I'm 70 and have lived in Tornado Alley all my life. Neighbors helping neighbors and strangers. Thats what good people do.

[@raitheon]

​@@ccormxur pree sad

[@ltodd79]

So many things I remember about that day. In California we have crews and specially trained dogs for earthquake recovery. But all air flights were cancelled. Rescuers drove across country three days and nights, non-stop to reach New York. People gave them money and cars and fed the dogs. Of course, we couldn't know the magnitude of what had happened, and that there would be no survivors from the rubble of the towers.

[@anonygent]

One survivor. One man survived the collapse, riding the floor down to ground level like a surfboard.

[@thamertanner5448]

There were some. Not many, but there were some. There was the group trapped in the stairwell and there were some people in the underground levels that made it out.

[@rebeccajohnson8769]

I remember us talking about how 50,000 people worked in those 2 buildings. And 140,000 tourists and other visitors on an average day. We were so worried that the death toll would be catastrophic, and so much higher than it turned out to be. (Still, too many died that day.) We didn't know how anyone would be able to survive.

[@Knwuce83wry]

my uncle was one of these rescuers. His voice is featured as well as footage shot from the boat he was on.(11:20)thanks for watching!

[@cinm9565]

Please tell him he will forever be one of my heroes.

[@StephanieEMT16]

I’ve been an EMT for over 20 years now and I still LOVE my job. I knew when I was 15 that I wanted to be an EMT. I had driven up on a wreck and a woman was trapped. I couldn’t help her and I hated that feeling. I didn’t want to feel helpless like that again, so I finished high school early and was an EMT by the time my class graduated. The moments where I was able to hold someone’s hand in their last moments on earth and they didn’t die alone, are the ones I am most proud of. We can’t always fix everyone and sometimes that’s all we can do and those people just don’t want to die alone. I remember 9/11 like it was a year ago. It was a really big moment for America and the world, and first responders came in from all over the country, we all carry that day with us and we will never forget what that felt like. I still pray for all the families and first responders who died helping as well 🙏🏼💗🇺🇸. Love your reactions as well, I’ve watched several now, your heart shows in them 💗

[@jessnotmylastname8955]

Thank you. As someone who survived a 78mph head on, on a very rural highway that took a motorcycle cop over an hour to reach us, thank you. During that loooooong stretch of time, trapped, strangers shoved their hands in through the small hole where the truck window had been to touch my shoulder and help me keep my husband still and prayed with me. Those strangers helped keep me focused, as much as i could, and calm. We both survived.

[@StephanieEMT16]

@@jessnotmylastname8955 I’m glad you’re ok and you had some good Samaritans out there to help. And some angels 💗🙏🏼

[@karenlobosco9646]

We are a nation of volunteers, ready to step up in emergencies.

[@karenlobosco9646]

Like the man said, you do not what you're supposed to do, but what is morally the right thing to do.

[@pumpkinproblem]

You are absolutely right, when you have children your entire outlook on life changes

[@johanna0131]

The horrors of 9/11 will forever be etched into my brain, but when I think of that day, the first thing that comes to mind is the humanity. I do think it’s human nature to help each other, and it is in large part to the events of 9/11 that I have come to that conclusion. Everyone tried to help. People drove from across the country to offer their services, be it firefighters or paramedics or just regular people who wanted to be of service in some way. When there’s a crisis, we step up and do what we can. I’m glad you watched this. It always makes me tear up, but it is such an inspiration too.

[@gamester512]

And it's survival instinct as well. When things go south, what is our first instinct for survival? To band together and work together to survive. While we aren't as primal or wild as other animals, we are still very social animals, and in that regard we are also "pack" animals. We work together to survive, no matter how big or small the contribution, we collectively work together to ensure that our "pack"....our family will survive. And the 9/11 boatlift is proof of that. As dysfunctional as America can seem at times, when it matters most, we will band together and unite for the sake of survival. And while an attack like this may have sufficed to cow another nation into submission, it had the opposite effect on us Americans. When you attack America, when you hurt America, we do not get scared....we get angry. And we become 100% focused on making those responsible answer for it. I will never forget 9/11 for as long as I live, I remember exactly where I was when I learned about the attacks that day as clearly as if it had happened yesterday, despite the fact that it happened almost 22 years ago now. I can still remember sitting in music class when our principal came over the intercom and said: *"What just happened isn't anywhere near us, but all teachers have permission to turn the class televisions to the news."* ....And when our teacher did so, and we saw the first tower burning....it went so silent that it was eerie, as we all watched in horrified shock....and then we saw the second plane hit. I can still remember after seeing the second plane hit, all of us just looked at each other in utter shock and disbelief. And when I got home from school, I can still remember walking in the front door and seeing the news on the TV and seeing that both towers had fallen. And as I walked in the door I also noticed that my parents and grandmother were sitting at the kitchen table. I still remember just limply dropping my backpack on the ground after seeing that both of the towers had fallen.

[@stparisian]

I hate what the media today has portrayed Americans as - I’m 60, born and raised in America and I don’t know ANYONE who WOULDN’T have helped. It’s what you do! I cannot fathom that this is not a worldwide reaction. I believe it IS human nature to render aid. It’s the best part of us. ❤

[@halah34]

And none of the boats were charged for refueling that day

[@conniewilkinson9347]

I don't know where "when the metal hits the meat" comes from (never heard it before now) but in my neck of the woods we usually say "when push comes to shove."

[@lisab.9956]

Operation Yellow Ribbon on 9/11. Within minutes of 2nd plane hitting 2nd of Twin Towers in New York City, all U.S. airspace as shut down, no takeoffs or landings were allowed except for military aircraft. All planes already in flight (about 224) were ordered to land immediately at closest airport. All international flights were banned from entering U.S. airspace & were required to either turn back or were diverted to Canada, Mexico, or Greenland. Small town of Gander, Newfoundland, Canada, ended up accepting 38 planes with 6,700 people on board plus crew members & nearby Halifax, Nova Scotia, took 47 planes with over 8,000 passengers & crew. Planes had to be parked on runways. Gander had a population of about 10,000 people at the time so number of passengers just about equaled their population. Only 500 hotel rooms existed in the town (unknown how many were already full). People in this small town opened their homes to passengers, worked around the clock to feed them, provide beds, etc. There are several videos about it.

[@rebeccajohnson8769]

My manager at the time was stuck in France on a business trip for over a week. We were sent cards and posters that all our European coworkers signed for us. It was so strange to not have jets in the air during that time, as we're on the approach for several airports.

[@theresatrahan2147]

Not everyone would do that. But, there's always those that my Great grandma used to call the helpers. And I thank God that we have so many here.

[@katiemcteague]

I’ve watch this video countless times and continue to cry whenever I see all those boats coming over the water. Awesome sight and awesome feeling to know that so many were willing to do whatever it took when they had no idea if they would be safe doing it. Thank you for reacting to this. It’s a story that so many people are unaware of and is definitely worth telling.

[@susanconstable2113]

Same!! Every single time I bawl!

[@TexasRose50]

Same here! But I love watching peoples reaction to it.

[@sacredsiren]

I understand what you are saying at the end there. It reminds me of that famous quote from Mr. Rogers, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” And while that doesn't change the fact that something tragic has happened, it is still some measure of comfort to see the way people come together to help one another at their worst moments. I was going to college in Manhattan when 9-11 happened, and thankfully I happened to not be in the city on that day. I can't imagine what the stress was like for those who experienced it, although I have heard about the experiences second hand from family and friends who were there, some who were in the towers before they fell. My own aunt was one of the people that got home on a ferry that day, what these men and women did to help evacuate the city is something we should never forget or take for granted.

[@jefferypreston5714]

I don't care what they say the captains of those boats are true American Heroes in my book they didn't think about there own lives, as long as we Americans needed help they came in with there Boats . as an American I WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR HEROISM ❤.

[@manxkin]

❤ 🇺🇸 Crying again some 20 years later. No matter how many times I’ve seen this. I will never forget that day. The United States of America at its darkest and finest day. ❤️🇺🇸.

[@julieperkins7077]

In all my years I have never seen Americans come together like they did then I haven't seen nothing like it since it was so nice for a very long time everyone was so patriotic it's just a shame that it took a tragedy for us to be like that

[@kimmycook2698]

It is during times of great distress we pull together without even thinking about it...we just remember we are humans and cannot allow another to suffer.

[@m2hmghb]

There is an unspoken rule on the water. If the Coast Guard ever and I mean EVER asks for help you help. They're the guys who will jump into water with ice to try to rescue you, if they need help they get it. I would expect the captains and crews on the seas to react just like this - it's maritime law. There's a reason in every war enemies will pick up those who are stranded after their vessel goes down.

[@vagabond142]

I remember 9/11 like it was yesterday. I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and when the US shut down their airspace, Canada accepted over 300 US bound planes at 19 airports across the country in a quickly organized thing called Operation Yellow Ribbon. I didn't go to my college classes that day, either, because as soon as Operation Yellow Ribbon started, and Calgary one of four major international hub airports across the country, a request went out over the news for "anyone that can volunteer for anything, go to the airport to the parking lot and sign up." That was at about 9:30 AM local time. I didn't get home until 2 AM on 9/12. I helped set up a couple of community centers into makeshift shelters, and was then ferrying people in my dad's van from the airport to these shelters, and then I worked the food line at one of them. It was simply the most amazing community response I have ever seen... people were bringing in any spare pallets of water they had, blankets, clothes, toys, a restaurant even brought in like 10 hotel trays (those huge metal trays at a buffet) of food that they had been prepping for the day... they closed the restaurant and brought ALL of the food to the community center. I had the best sleep of my life when my head hit the pillow. There is something about doing absolutely everything you can, and need to do, to help those that are lost, confused, and in distress. If you want to react to something about Operation Yellow Ribbon, there is a great piece 60 minutes Australia did on Gander, a tiny little town on the Eastern coast of Canada that suddenly became the destination for ALL the planes headed to the Eastern seaboard of the US: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bni7nqOih9eqnaM

[@janethards16]

Thank you !

[@lisazaccardimeunier8378]

I was home with my infant son when I happened to turn to network TV. At first, I thought I was looking at smoke stacks or something, but soon realized what was happening, then when the first building collapsed...I just couldn't believe my eyes. We saw the worst, but also the best of humanity that day.

[@aaronwieman8368]

I think what you were trying to say at the end was something like this: “although this was one of the most evil and tragic incidents in our nations history, it also brought out the best in each and every American citizen and quite frankly the world.”

[@Voodoofairy88]

Most cell services, local tv networks, the Emergency Broadcast System & 911 had a transmitter on top of the North Tower. So when it was hit a lot of services went down

[@morbiouslenoir]

My father and I used to work in that building up on the 110th floor. When this happened, he had retired and I had moved on. But nobody from RKO got out of there except out the window, which they didn't have on the 110th. I can only imagine the fear and panic of the guys up there, not knowing WTF had happened. Next time anyone tells you anything bad or negative about NYC or New Yorkers, remember this video. A disaster hit and every came together to help people they never had seen before. That's what makes NYC different. You f*ck with one, you're f*cking with us all.

[@catlady443]

This is the American Spirit. Helping others, we are a community that pulls together even though we squabble. When the chips are down.... You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us

[@TheTwil1]

Not only am I proud of our military, I am proud of the American citizens who will stand up fiercely as well.

[@mzluna313]

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things!

[@OtakudenKeeper]

6:59 to give an idea of the scale of the debris cloud. The building visible to the left of the cloud is 42 stories tall (465.5 feet or 141.8 meters)

[@ruth2141]

I recently started watching people from other parts of the world react to US weather events like hurricanes, tornados, freezes, fires, etc. and I had never realized that some people never have to prepare for or endure those events. But what sticks with you after is not the fear, grief and damage but the way your fellow humans react. Despite all the division and insults, when it comes down to it, people will do what they can to help each other.

[@stevemattfis]

People all over Manhattan in their offices literally saw the first plane circle Manhattan and plunge into the tower. The Mayors office, Town hall, Police, Fire fighters, Hospitals and Media all were launched into action. TV News in the city cut in on every channel and everything was seen as it occurred. including the hit on the second tower. Fires in both buildings filled floors and were creeping up the buildings to the floors above the hits. People in the buildings were faced with choosing how they were going to die. I remember seeing a man and woman holding hands that leapt out of the tower as the flames came up behind them. Oh we knew what was happening. We saw it from every angle. People with phone cameras filmed as the onrush of escapees saw the falling towers and threw themselves into the stores and restaurants. The clouds of powdered concrete rushing past as they filmed the actual moments in which they thought the towers would crush them. Oh we knew it. All of it went directly out to every media source there was. We knew it moment by moment and we all were calling everyone we could to insure they were still alive. It didn't surprise me one bit wheen the public volunteered to get out there and make a difference. That's pretty much the definition of what it means to be a New Yorker. At one point in the aftermath a reporter was interviewing a volunteer and the moment it occurred to her we wanted to get some gory details out of her while filmed live she openly told him she was disgusted by his hoping to hear something gory from her. She promptly dismissedd him and went back to helping. That is how a New York volunteer handled that . She was there to help. She was not there for her 15 minutes on TV.

[@joeladams2540]

So many different regional accents represented in this video ❤

[@daniellehuston7959]

I'm not surprised at the humanity shown by my fellow Americans! Not surprised at all.

[@JustMe-gn6yf]

I was 41 when this happened I lived on the 17th floor of the regency tower in Oklahoma City my balcony overlooked the bombing memorial and I remembered the FDNY and NYPD patches on the fence that surrounded the bomb site, I'm watching the TV knowing that the same men that helped on our worst day were in those towers 🙏

[@susanconstable2113]

I think the majority of people would step up! I will never forget this day. I live and work about 20minutes from shanksville PA where they crashed flight 93 in the field. I will never forget the rumbling that plane made flying over our building so low. Freaked us out since we had already seen footage on our break room tv of the towers. I watched the towers fall on live tv.

[@PerthTowne]

I live in the New Jersey, across the river from New York City. First, we didn't know what was happening. The two World Trade Center towers were attacked. Then they crashed a plane into the Pentagon in Washington. We thought we were being attacked and we were at war. It was scary.

[@-Luna-tic.exe-]

I remember i was in school, 8th grade science glass. Almost the entire school flooded in because it was one of the few classrooms that had a tv with cable. After the fact, seniors who had a car left immediately to register in the armed forces. After that, year after year almost the entirety of the school as soon as they became of age registered to the armed services, me included. Unfortunately a spinal injury 1 week before shipping off to boot, prevented me from going. Every friend i had joined, fortunately all of them returned.

[@Armyaunt73]

As human beings it's are natural instinct for self preservation & yet there are special people who fight against that to help others.

[@markhennessy7598]

I was 9 years old and in school when 9/11 happened. I remember a teacher running in the room screaming that we were under attack. I remember another teacher turning on the tv just in time for us to watch people jump to their deaths off the towers. I remember sitting on my drive way watching fighter jets circling. I remember how united we became afterwards. I remember all of it. I will never forget.

[@farleytravis89]

There are some absolute spine tingling stories and audio on 9/11. Appreciate your reaction!

[@karimhicks8376]

Love, unconditional love for humanity. History has a way of teaching this. Does this resemble DUNKIRK, during the second WORLD WAR.

[@randygagliano4929]

Maybe it's my military training and experience, but never underestimate an American in a time of crisis

[@grizzlycountry1030]

Communication tower antennas were on the towers. When they fell they took out a lot of communications. Knowing it was a attack they couldn't risk explosions on bridges or in tunnels leaving, but it was also the routes that police, firefighters, national guard needed to get in.

[@VerchielxKanda]

It definitely is human nature to help others. I had once seen surveillance footage of the aftermath of a bomb attack. This woman wasn't fast enough and was shoved down by other people. A man then practically lifted her off the ground and was running with her, hand in hand. It was so damn beautiful to see amidst the chaos. That "Report together valiantly." always gets me teary eyed. The fuel station for all the boats let them refuel for free that whole time.

[@joshuawiedenbeck6944]

You are correct about the lack of technology. Cell phones were a new thing for the average person (they were huge, and smart phones weren't invented yet) and the infrastructure wasn't great. So many people tried to use their cell phones right after the attacks that it overwhelmed the system and the phones stopped working for a huge portion of the people. So most people just had to experience it by themselves while they waited hours to find out if their family was ok.

[@_S.D._]

It took us a day to get through to my little sisters family in NYC.

[@rebeccajohnson8769]

@@_S.D._ A lot of the communications also went through the WTC - all those antennas on the roof of one of the buildings.

[@111smd]

We Americans are a vary divisive (politics, religion, etc.) people, but when the chips are down we forget all that crap and do what needs to be done!

[@karenjayne24]

Thank you for doing Boatlift. The marching band was the tribute to 9/11 and you said you were a child when 9/11 happened. To me, this shows a different understanding of 9/11. There are many untold stories of heroism from the entire 9/11 terrorist attack.Your reaction was great and i do understand about appreciating the uplifting stories from such an enormously evil attack. I was 18 miles away when they hit and watching the news. I can never forget.

[@starparodier91]

I was 10 when it happened and I was in Colorado. What’s always stuck with me is my dad saying how he was always having business meetings at the towers and was just there six months prior and how all the people he worked with were probably dead. He said it so casually and for the first time the news was on 24/7 in our house. I had my own TV in my room and video games so I had plenty to do, but it made me very paranoid since I’d been next to Columbine only two years earlier.

[@karenjayne24]

@@starparodier91 My heart goes out to you about experiencing such traumatic events. Columbine is something that is hard to even imagine no less being somehow close to it. So many wasted lives taken and permanently impacting others. No one, especially children should ever have to face that. As for myself, I didn't personally know anyone who died at the towers but I knew many other people who lost family and friends. Almost everyone knew of someone who was there or were first responders. Many first responders are now, and have for many years, been dying of diseases directly related to being there and exposed to the environment. 9/11 continues to kill 20+ yrs later. Many people, maybe your dad included, couldn't really process the enormity of what happened. They were and still are almost emotionally paralyzed by the event and the aftermath. It was just too much to even wade in the emotional waters of that day. Frankly, no one can really understand or relate to what really happened. Of course, the towers were only the first of the planes to hit. The Pentagon in Washington D.C. was hit. Another plane was hijacked and was also heading to Washington but some heroic passengers intentionally brought the plane down in a field in Pennsylvania. Of course, all on board there were killed.

[@starparodier91]

@@karenjayne24 I got to see my aunt again for the first time in over 20 years last year during the summer and Christmas because she lives in Pennsylvania and was too scared to fly because the last crash happened not far from her but she finally felt ready. I understand her being scared for so long since I haven’t been to a movie theater since July 20, 2012 when my friends and I were celebrating all our birthdays and watching a movie we were so excited to see. We ended up running for our lives instead, but we’re all doing well now. Sorry for rambling! I hope you have a wonderful night! 😊💜

[@karenjayne24]

@@starparodier91 You can ramble all you like! I enjoy your commenting. Wow, I can't imagine being in a dark, closed in movie theater with people side by side and something - usually gun shots - cause people to run for their lives. Things like that stay with you forever. They can be over come and the fear redirected but it is still part of you. I truly hope that the rest of your life is smooth sailing. I live in Pennsylvania, too but not close by to the crash site. I am sending you blessings! ~ karen

[@Walter_Sobchak_43]

@7:28 I believe our better angels win in circumstances like this. Most people will rise to the occasion if they can. History has thousands band thousands of untold stories of heroes that we will never learn about.

[@carriebizz]

I'm Australian and hubby and I just found out that we were expecting our first baby a week prior. I was just 24 when this happened it gave me a sense of dread like wtf kind of world are we bringing this baby into. That baby is 21 next month. I've seen this story before but it still makes me cry

[@lianabaddley8217]

I totally know what you're talking about. I was pregnant with my oldest when 2 teenagers attacked their own school mates at Columbine High School, Colorado. April 20, 1999. It was the first big school shooting here in the USA. I was so scared to bring my baby into the world. Then again we had her 2nd birthday party on Sept 11th. Her birthday is the 12th but had it planned for the 11th. Everyone was talking about it but trying not to scare all the little kiddies.

[@LlamaLlamaMamaJamaac]

I was 22 and 14 weeks pregnant with my oldest also… I know that feeling 😢

[@Tone7914]

I was a junior in high school when it happened and watched it on tv in the classroom . We were in History class and I’ll always remember my teacher saying, all you young men get yourself right with god,harden your hearts and prepare yourselves for war!

[@SN-uv4mh]

Events at that time I was about 13 or 14 years old when I saw my first picture of a plane crashing into a building in the newspapers of my country. No matter how long it's been It's still heartbreaking every time.

[@LlamaLlamaMamaJamaac]

Re: not knowing what was going on, when the first plane hit, most people - even live news coverage - thought it was a freak accident. There were people on the street on the phone with journalists and they were even saying “a small twin engine plane hit the WTC” There were comments about how the sky was perfectly clear, and no he wasn’t flying erratically… but I guess the human mind doesn’t go there right away. There’s a fair bit of live coverage here on KZbin… in a couple they show video from inside the newsrooms and you hear the OH MY GOD and other outcries in the background. Some journalists were on the phone with eyewitnesses and they too, on their cell phones “OH MY GOD a second plane hit!!” The realization that NO the first pilot wasn’t having a seizure or dead from a heart attack… but it was a deliberate attack is REALLY hard to listen to 😭

[@VorchaKali]

Unfortunately the captain of the amberjack also the first rescuer on the video recently passed away.

[@prettybullet7728]

We have our squabbles but when tragedy hits we pull together as a nation.

[@adrianmay3573]

Living through a hurricane. You learn to run towards the danger to help save lives you don't even think about your own that's a complete go on adrenaline.

[@mikehunt368]

i was in 2nd grade and 9/11 was my first vivid memory… i can close my eyes and remember exactly what we were doing in school when we heard about it… i live like 4 hours from NYC (in a town that has 6x the number of cows than people… literally) so i wasn’t scared but i was just in a state of shock that i’ve never experienced since….

[@NewYorkDoll_911]

I'm from Manhattan. I live all the way north of the Island. People forget that the World Trade Center was bombed before in the early 90's. Because of that, here in NYC, we started to be iD'd when we went into hospitals, government buildings ,etc...After 9/11, it became the norm to be ID'd anywhere there is security.

[@beverlyshane8433]

I live on the east coast of the US and remember 9/11 like it was yesterday but only heard about the boat lift a few years ago. For some reason I never saw it on the news.

[@inthedarkanonymous5625]

There’s something about that businessman helping another with the life vest that just really gets to me.

[@DebiB53]

As an American, I will never, ever forget the tragedy of 9-11. I remember exactly what I was doing. The amazing people all joined together immediately even American's on the other coast!! Every time I see these amazing stories of bravery and patriotism, I cry. Proud to be an American. Thank you for your reaction. Blessings from America.... ❤🤍💙

[@rebeccahanson6941]

I’ve seen this video many times and every time it makes me cry and amazes me. You are right. Tragic day but there was beauty in seeing those true heroes come forward.

[@jonograhamreacts]

it was hard to hold onto the tears and when I showed my wife the video later that day we both shed a couple tears.

[@JenniferNein]

I remember the moment 9/11 happened. I grew up with my father being a volunteer fire fighter, so I know full well the dangers they run back into. I saw it while feeding my daughter breakfast. Not long after I Signed up as a unarmed security officer in Houston Texas. 33 security officers lost their lives that day too, sadly they are largely forgotten, I spent 12 years working posts a lot like the trade center and it's shopping centers. Knowing that should the unthinkable happen I was going to be one of the first to aid the people in my buildings. I took that oath seriously, to the world I was just another Rent a cop, to me I was a security officer and I stood and still stand behind my badge and oath. So I feel this one deeply. I remember when Hurricane Ike hit Houston, our apartment was on the same grid as a hospital so we were given electric pretty quick so I made a lot of a meal that my family ate all the time, and started handing out margarine tubs full of it out of the back of my old Ford Ranger while my husband drove, my father in Oregon saw my truck on the news and called and was proud of me, that meant a lot. We as Americans need to watch this, feel this and actually stand up again... My father who adopted me at ten years old from CPS taught me that if you can, you help. There is no if and's or buts about it. So I am the person who will stop and render aid at a car wreck, give my last dime to a veteran with a sign, and so on. So the day I handed out what was a very cheap simple meal from the moving bed of my old beat up ranger to people who had endured a hurricane and had nothing, it was something my father had instilled in me. The Ranger being a higher level vehicle could make it through much of the streets and debris, it was a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT with over 300,000 miles on her but she handled it like the beast she was made to be. Humans should help, no matter the situation you should help.

[@CJBW]

I have never seen as many flags in as many neighborhoods as I did after 9/11. I pray for that unity in the country I love again. God Bless America 🇺🇸❤️

[@ianhamilton2035]

Amazing! My family and I were at ground 0 for an F5 tornado in South Carolina! Trees down everywhere! We live in a circular development at the end of the street. There were so many trees down, there was no access to our neighborhood. Even if we needed emergency service, there was no way they could get to us! Our neighbors got together, many who had never met, and chainsawed the trees out of the roads in less than a few hours! It was so cool to participate, and see the support and compassion that everyone showed that day! No comparison to 911, except, people helping others, unselfishly for the benefit of others! Amazing!!! 😃

[@marieclaudeb.2366]

This is a beautiful story ❤ much love from 🇨🇦

[@wendypappagallo2421]

My kids were in High School ROTC training they stayed until the Handicapped and other kids were out of school and then they came out. I was very proud of them. They could have left immediately but didn't.

[@maryannweitzel5636]

My Dad was a WWII veteran. I talked to him rh at day, he said the only time he felt that why was December 7th 1941. Shocked,horrified and pissed. You should listen to Alan Jackson's song "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning ".

[@_S.D._]

I was 17 and late for 2nd period English when my school when the first plane hit and they announced all Va schools were being put on lockdown. Every TV in every class was turned onto the news. I made it to class just in time to see the second plane hit. The images of people jumping from the towers is seared into my memories. I remember crying for days. This though, had me bawling for different reasons, and still gets me to this today.

[@starparodier91]

Operation Yellow Ribbon is one you might want to check out! I even have a personal connection to it.

[@marieclaudeb.2366]

The Australian 60 minutes documentary is awesome

[@stacyjane8014]

I will never forget exactly where I was, nor how heartbreaking it was. I was in Texas, and there was no way I could help. The next few hours were.. awful. I’ve never heard about the boats, and I’m so very proud of every one of them.

[@DarkKatzy013]

Saw this in class, 7th grade math class. A class full of children had to see this. While it happened. Changed my life forever. It's one of the reasons I became a Marine Corp's Medic. (Stupid autocorrect if it's wrong). Never forget never forgive.

[@nancystanton955]

I cannot truthfully tell you how many times I have watched this video. If it shows up on my list I watch it, period! And I cry every time! I cry for my lost countrymen. I cry for the families of those that never came home. I cry for the bravery of the rescue workers. I cry for the pride I feel for the way the USA pulled together, shoulder to shoulder and said " Oh no you didn't!!! " then buckled down and rebuilt while our military found and dealt with the cowards behind 9/11. I am new to your channel having just found you and subscribed. I really haven't looked at your catalog yet but if you haven't watched it yet Toby Keith has a song video 'Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue ( The Angry American) that I suggest you watch. It doesn't hide his... or any American's feelings post 9/11.

[@jonograhamreacts]

Thank you so much, and I will check it out.

[@donnamoskowitz4978]

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@willcool713]

Almost a thousand people saved every minute, for over eight hours, by hundreds of vessels and sailors.

[@aaronshackelford6106]

I seen that happen live it makes me cry till this day a very sad day for all America. Citizens

[@anonygent]

Someone mentioned something else amazing about the 9/11 boatlift that really helped... the gas stations for the boats gave out free fuel to anyone ferrying people off Manhattan. No doubt that made a lot more trips possible.

[@slinman100]

I remember being at work that morning-in Tennessee. We all gathered around the tv and just cried and held each other.

[@dallas1272]

Thank you I lived in PA where 93 went down cell phone lines where jammed when I saw the first plane hit I thought it was a movie but when 93 went down it was real I tried to call my husband at the time and all I got was your call can't be completed everyone was trying to get a hold of there loved ones. It's funny my grandparents remembered where they where when JFK was shot now I can say I can remember where I was when 9/11 happened no matter what we as Americans will stick together in tough times thank you again

[@laurieweatbrook5020]

I have so many memories of that day but one that came back watching this video is an interview with someone from a hospital. Everyone at the hospital were prepared for hundreds of injuries...yet none came. There were no survivable injuries that day...may they all rest in peace.

[@Lakota790]

Mr. Graham, We American People come TOGETHER during natural disasters and when OUR COUNTRY comes under attack from foreign countries. We do NOT sit around waiting for the government to tell us, WE ARE THERE IMMEDIATELY for OUR FELLOW AMERICANS, WE SET ASIDE ALL OF OUR DIFFERENCES & DISAGREEMENTS TO HELP AND CARE FOR EACH OTHER. wado Mr. Graham for watching this video AND for your RESPECT for OUR BRAVE AMERICANS.

[@MythicFool]

There's a line from an old song, 'The Wreck of the Dandenong', that perfectly describes how those of us who work and live on the water react to such calls. "Came bearing down with might and main In spite of land or wave They did all they could As sailors would Those precious lives to save" When a call of distress comes over the radio, boat crews will drop everything to go help.

[@Shabenn]

One interesting thing for me watching this is that the pictures and videos from that day are in color but all of it from inside the debris zone looked like they were in black and white. The contrast is incredible.

[@bayleafdoor]

On 9/11 our kids were 2 & 4. We live in Austin TX and at the time somewhat close to the airport. All of the airports halted flights for the first time ever. It was so eerie and so sad. Such a dark moment in our history in so many ways, and it also brought out so much goodness, love and compassion at the same time. There are some beautiful people out there. Thank you for reacting to the Boatlift story, it's one we should all remember.

[@bugvswindshield]

I was working as contractor in San Jose at that time. I was going to breakfast in the hotel when I saw this live on tv. I was glued. Called my boss who was on job site at 5am....told him to get his ass back as fast as possible. While waiting saw the second tower go down live on tv. Then also the controlled blast of two other buildings. I watched a live broadcast of the owner saying he ok'd the blast. Good luck in finding that now a days on the "web". It was really weird in San Jose in the days after. The Bay Area always has air traffic. Its so common that it was sooooo odd to have quiet. The quiet just made everyone even more on edge. Such an odd time. When my boss and I finally got a flight back home...only 30% full, I told the stewardess that I was a former Marine and I'd like to sit up front. She said " You can't sit in the first three rows but 4th is open. Boom my boss and I were front and center. Again. I was young 30's. Really odd time.

[@Tolkienlady]

The USA is a family. There's sibling rivalry, and family disputes, but if someone comes from outside and messes with "our family," we will drop the family squabbles and join together like a Band of Brothers. One for all and all for one. There was no rich vs poor, Republican vs Democrat, religious vs nonreligious, old vs young, etc etc. We were just Americans that day.

[@Terkina__]

I'll never forget that day. I was watching the casual TV program when it stopped. At first I thought: WOW this is a rough movie trailer for the upcoming movie in the evening. It took me a second to realise that this was real. I was sitting there drowned in tears and in deep shock. I called a friend of mine, who's a big fan of the States. We both were clued onto the TV for the rest of the day. Nobody of us can imagine the deep fear and shock the people involved felt. Till this day we are still losing lots of people because of it. (lung diseases etc.) Thank you for reacting to it. We should never forget what was happened that day. Those boat drivers are heroes like all the fire fighters, doctors, nurses and unknown helpers that lost, but also saved lives that day.