John and Joe

StoryCorps has won a 71st Annual George Foster Peabody Award for our September 11 audio and animated shorts.
John Vigiano Sr. is a retired New York City firefighter whose two sons followed him into service-John Jr. was a firefighter, too, and Joe was a police detective. On September 11, 2001, both Vigiano brothers responded to the call from the World Trade Center, and both were killed while saving others. Here, John Sr. remembers his sons and reflects on coping with his tremendous loss.
Directed by: The Rauch Brothers
Art Direction: Bill Wray
Producers: Lizzie Jacobs & Mike Rauch
Animation: Tim Rauch
Audio Produced by: Michael Garofalo, Lizzie Jacobs & Vanara Taing
Supervising Sound Recordist: Jackie Goodrich
Music: Fredrik
Label: The Kora Records
Publisher: House of Hassle
Funding provided by:
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The Carnegie Corporation of New York
National Endowment for the Arts
In partnership with POV.
Please tell us about your StoryCorps viewing experience: bit.ly/2wPC1fP

[@ivancorredera4241]

It's bad enough to lose one of your children, but two of them on the same day. I feel really sorry for this man.

[@its_just_TJ]

yah its very sad

[@dylanmaharry6177]

At least they all got their goodbyes That's all we can really ask for

[@maxglaak5317]

Ivan Corredera a

[@joshuashiu519]

All of these 9/11 stories make me tear up 😢

[@cliptrashbin2389]

Joshua Shiu this is my first video to make me cry

[@williamf3874]

He died of cancer at July 2018, so much despair he must endure, now we must let him rest and heal the wounds of time

[@mrcocoloco7200]

True man, true.

[@abramjamrs5559]

And see his children again

[@faiyathefirebnuy170]

Damn sorry for their loss

[@YellowSquidsBootyAttack]

At least he is in heaven with his sons

[@funmenpowell2092]

Deeeeeeep

[@darelyn2427]

this video made my eyes water and cause my mom to become concerned why I was crying when I was doing my "homework."

[@imakethings9892]

+Caroline Der Best profile pic ever.

[@darelyn2427]

kisses

[@chicagobears8759]

Caroline Der a

[@dravenwilliams3710]

because homework is so evil it will bring you to tears crying in mercy.

[@finnishwehraboo8377]

Draven Williams EVIIIL

[@Har0Id]

John Vigiano sadly passed away in 2018. May he rest with his children.

[@xcepai]

Rest in peace to three of them🙏

[@hi-am-pat2k176]

Amen❤😊

[@blu3b3rryh3ntai]

RIP John and Joe and you have a great father :')

[@freddiefaulig8751]

That's so nice to say

[@bloofroganimations9534]

Cs go giveaway Guy wtf dude.

[@comradewolfdog8171]

Cs go giveaway Guy what

[@snipeyboi5934]

Cs go giveaway Guy your a fucked up man

[@comradewolfdog8171]

Thicc tachanka pepperoni pizza I think he is a twelve year old trying to be cool

[@williamquigley8434]

Every year, on the date as close to 9/11 as possible, I show my student two piece of storycorps, this and the one from Beverly Eckert. Every year it makes my students cry and causes the most wonderful and open conversation. It is the perfect way to remember and connect 17 and 18 year olds with events that happened when they were toddlers. Thank you to Joe Sr. and storycorps!

[@jonasn7739]

That's incredible

[@thegeneralfrogarmy9721]

William Quigley I remember some fucking kid a idiot ok during 9/11 he decided to make a joke about the people jumping of buildings the planes hitting the buildings the collapse of the building and then continued to disrespect this major event in history

[@clipboard.]

@@thegeneralfrogarmy9721 its okay, just ignore them, most of the time they realise how ignorant and disrespectful they are, when i was in 4th grade, my friends would joke about suicide bombers and shout ALLAH AKBAR as a joke in class, its been years since then and now they seem to regret saying jokes like these everygime i mention it

[@PatrickPeixoto]

what kinda heartless person dislikes a video like that?

[@jolorulz]

probably ISIS

[@nicingnicestman]

+jolorulz even though Isis didn't do 9/11

[@hotshotvb]

kinda think ISIS is for the attack, just saying

[@KenshinHimura-eb9bv]

Patrick Peixoto the Muslim who else

[@killhemer222]

Well, some people dislike it because it made them sad. I know a few people who do that.

[@RatTalisman]

"That makes me sleep at night" By far the most defeating quote there is in this interview. I felt stabbed in the heart when he said that

[@JoshJenrayAK47]

One recording per life lost at 9/11? ... I wanna see this happen. I want to learn how many people, no matter how important or unimportant, died that day. Might make a more in-depth memorial.

[@typicalpinnacle9628]

JoshJenrayAK47 that would very hard to do since from what I know nobody knows the exact amount of people that died.

[@snuffythefloof5448]

JoshJenrayAK47 actually, an individual story makes people connect more.

[@user-ok8yq6nc6x]

At this rate we'll all have been long dead by the time they get half way through

[@chardapunjab8117]

You can search for "Portraits of Grief" from New York Times on Google. They have published memoirs about most of the people.

[@nukeflower.1759]

5th reply!

[@theinnovator1954]

Today is September 10, 2016 I'm here to watch again

[@kimbo263]

Me too

[@kzh2313]

The Innovator 2017

[@yohanesmarko8164]

september 11, 2017 here. im new here, just loved this quality content

[@digs154]

2018 march 21

[@JsphCrrll]

The Innovator 2018 September 11th

[@MiketheYoungster]

aww RIP joe and john

[@jazlynjay]

BigTeddy26 I

[@mrcocoloco7200]

@@diarmuidreidy3708 Really Nigga.

[@diarmuidreidy3708]

Josuke Higashikata 😳

[@jessehensley3179]

I heard a quote, “It’s sad when a son has to bury his father, but devastating when a father has to bury his son.” To have to bury both of your sons is horrible. Rest In Peace to everyone who lost their life that day.

[@oliverroy1992]

This is movie material

[@WarScythe_XD]

100% Agree! This NEEDS to be a movie.

[@HoboTango]

There is and it won an award in 2002. ( its a documentary )

[@xVelvetri]

But then Hollywood would be like 9/11 happens 2 of them are crushed They survived

[@nayshthegreat]

It’s not a movie but “Twin Towers” (2003) is a pretty good documentary with them before 9/11.

[@renjoku3771]

You’re not wrong.

[@virginlamb5375]

KZbin is slowly becoming a time machine, I remember watching these shorts when I was a kid….. ten years already passed….

[@budknight5773]

When he said “Ironically badge number 3436 I started balling.”

[@eugene4144]

Nice pfp king

[@ssilva872]

I can't imagine losing one child but damn two on the same day is just terrible. RIP to those heroes and all who died on 9/11.

[@crownvicmango7606]

Sadly Captain John Vigiano Sr. Lost his battle to cancer on July 2018, May he be with his sons in heaven

[@loungegod]

Having the last words be "I love you" to anyone is...Amazing...It is so lucky to have that...

[@philbreton5949]

"I don't have any could've, should've, would'ves,. I wouldn't have changed anything. There's not many people that the last words they've said to their son or daughter was 'I love you' and the last words they hear was I love you. So... that makes me sleep at night" What the fuck

[@Dehslash9]

He's happy that "I love you" were the last words they said to each other before he lost them.

[@philbreton5949]

No, I get it, that just really fucked me up.

[@begolejohnson6707]

Phil Breton I never got to say it so that line hit me like a truck.

[@user-yu5wz8tp2t]

hey shmeatgod i'm sorry if you lost someone

[@mitchchiu9396]

Jayman493 we should really learn to cherish what we have

[@ptdlugosz]

I typically re-watch this once a year around the 9/11 anniversary, and it turns me into a puddle each time. Thank you StoryCorps for allowing John Vigiano Sr to share his story with us.

[@kdxrgx]

... This story really got to me... When he said that not many people who's last words they said to their children were I love you... I lost it... started crying immediately... RIP everyone who passed

[@kaylah6515]

It's been 15 years since September 11, 20001. May John and Joe rest in peace. Thank you both for your service.

[@SpeedyWings2323]

Rest In Peace John Vigiano Sr. (1938-2018)

[@thylaggyone4513]

Feels weird coming back to this, even 20 years after the attack.

[@mhan00]

Holy shit. I did not expect to tear up like that at the end when he talked about his last words with his sons. Beautiful, and I am so sorry for his loss and so grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of his boys. He clearly did a great job raising them and they were clearly men he could be proud of.

[@arizonasucculent8632]

I cannot imagine the pain that he had to go through to lose both of his sons.

[@Bigbob1111]

This video will never leave my head, it’s tragic that this event had happened

[@grindstone4910]

Well I wasn't planning on tearing up tonight, dammit.

[@Ebvardh]

We'll all die one day, and this man had to face a very tough instance of that. He's very brave. I feel bad for him.

[@eduffield1961]

RIP Captain John T. Vigiano, Sr. - November 23, 1938 - July 7, 2018

[@biji8427]

respect to these national heros, may they never be forgoten

[@zachluworo9660]

Dying for your country and your fellow human beings in my heart is one of the greatest honors imaginable

[@apollo6795]

22 years now since these brave men gave there lives saving people from the attacks on the world trade center.

[@rhyoferno1343]

"that makes me sleep at night" makes me cry everytime

[@mr.birdman4447]

Your Kids are Heroes. And the last words "I love you" are beautiful last words. You see them in heaven

[@salc8724]

John is in hospice care as we speak, god bless him & his family during this tough time.

[@Boneless_Frog_Meat]

Got reminded of this video

[@removalunit7610]

Here we are again, on 9/11. Rest easy brothers.

[@roosterbooster9008]

Even drunk i can't take this....

[@andremason9098]

"That makes me sleep at night." There is so much pain in the subtext of that statement. That really got to me.

[@ravenpoe585]

This is exactly why I always tell my Mother and Father that I love them whenever I talk to them on the phone or before I leave their house after I visit with them.

[@22Tesla]

That is true, not many people get to say "I love you" to their loved one's before they are taken to a better place. And these two men are among the many good men and women who were so suddenly taken from us. Huh, kinda ironic to me seeing Joe was born the same day I was. Not the same year, of course mind you.

[@tannermaxwell7321]

I absolutely love this channel. Seriously I cry on so many of these, this is honoring the unsung true heroes of society.

[@DarwinskiYT]

Watching this on September 11th I feel bad for this guy he lost both of his kids

[@Borderose]

His grandson recently joined the NYPD.

[@kalesvlogs4894]

The coincidence of the numbers hit me like brick. This is so sad. No one will forget this day 😭😭

[@jamessteele6485]

This is story I like to hear because it includes two real hero’s who gave their lives.

[@MrSupasonics]

Voice of this video, John Vigiano Sr., passed away 2 month ago. Rest in peace sir, I wish you meet your sons and have a happy time in heaven.

[@bluecake4311]

I remember him, he went to my school and told us all about firefighter man stuff... I'm now 14. And I now know where they are. Thanks for the great time. Thanks for playing with me when no one else did. ❤️

[@FrailShiver]

I have watched this multiple times and just like now I huge tears are rolling down my face. Thank you storycorps for letting us listen to these people lives.

[@machintosh3008]

"There's not many peoples whos last words to their son or daughter was 'I love you'. And the last words they heard was, 'I love you'. So that makes me sleep at night." Is a quote that'll stick with me forever.

[@halokiller711]

I watch this every year around this time, each time is a cathartic experience to be sure

[@Charlezard.]

I was thinking about this recently and how relatable it may be soon. I'm active duty Navy with a deployment coming up this year and recently went back home to celebrate New Years 2022 with my family. It's not so much for me, but for my Grandmas: My mom's 81yo mom is in the early stages of dementia, and my dad's 91yo mom has been having some other mental and physical health issues. So I made sure to visit home to give them both a hug and to say "I love you" in case neither is there when I hopefully can visit again next Cristmas.

[@jorgecastilloorantes7063]

3:10 really got me😥

[@leaf-5studios431]

Ironic how 343 firefighters died and his badge number was 3436. Rest in peace.

[@Kingdisco5005]

Also ironic how one was 34 and one was 36 when they died

[@michaelsaxton9416]

My you and your family always feel God's love. Your boys are smiling down on you sir, may God bless you and keep you.

[@thienpool]

This one will never fail to make me break down crying! Thank you for your sons' sacrifice, and thank you for your Sacrifice , Mr. Vigiano.

[@puffyrest5675]

rest in peace joe and john, you did the world good

[@quake2608]

It hurts knowing the badge number is so close to the amount of FDNY who died during the attacks.

[@onechunkyaircraft4872]

If you cried watching this don't feel ashamed it only shows you are human and you have emotions and to have emotion is a blessing in it's self

[@desmondwaters3566]

When my dad would leave for combat, every time we talked on the phone i had to tell him "i love you" at least 5 times. Because every time i never knew if that was the last time. Every night it was the same thing. I got so accustomed to it I still do to this day. This really fucking hurt.

[@msjswapnil]

You are a father of two brave men sir. I know you are proud of them... and you should always stay that way... but I bet they want you to stay happy also... as after this life... in the life hereafter... you will be standing tall in heaven with your head held high... as a father of two brave men.

[@hannahv3685]

I remember going to NYC like 3 years ago and I remember walking into this shop and it was sort of like a memorial store for the people In 9/11. I was looking around and I look up and I see this very video playing. I watched and my 9 year old self started crying. It was heat breaking I will always remember that moment thank for this amazing video.

[@ianmcnally373]

Man. What a story....

[@xxxaragon]

everyone that isn't afraid to risk their own life to protect or save others is a hero. while nothing can change that feeling of loss, I sincerely hope that mr. vigiano is able to get some comfort by the fact that his sons died because they were trying to help others - like actual, real life heroes.

[@leoeder8048]

I stood at the grave of a friend (17) and didnt cry, I stood at the grave of my grandparents and didnt cry, this mad me cry.

[@ruinedsketchbook]

Rest In Peace, John Vigiano Jr. and Joe Vigiano.

[@Jess-tx]

911 was such a sad point in history,so many young lives taken too soon💔

[@BFDfire288]

John Sr. just left to be with both of his boys. Rest easy, sir.

[@autumnrain3998]

Just found this channel. Yesterday was the 19th anniversary of 9/11. These stories hit right in the feels. I can't stop watching them. God rest their souls...

[@nikosilvis4568]

387 dislikes are you kidding me? This is heartbreaking how could anyone dislike it :(

[@grantwilliams2650]

Niko Silvis They had tears in their eyes so they couldn't see the like.

[@7son51]

Niko Silvis its is heartbreaking, but the people who disliked don't have a heart.

[@greezybreezy7699]

The muslims

[@miaungxisung9071]

The ones who disliked it are terrorists who hate america

[@dvchel]

Niko Silvis KZbin algorithms and bot activity to blame for it.

[@Xprdna28954]

“This is the big one”. I got goosebumps. Can’t imagine what it was like.

[@tjsmith7355]

Losing one of your children is horrible but loosing both of them is like being put through a wood chipper. But they died doing what they loved. Rip joe and John

[@MrGraykl]

Thank you for your sons, they were warriors and heroes and they now rest in Valhalla.

[@juanstekelenburg3175]

when he said: theres not many people who last words to their son or daughter was, i love you. it made me go: goddamnit noooooooooooooooooooo

[@TheFlamerWolf]

The most painfully thing to go threw is losing your only children you love. We will not forget

[@jackr2287]

Exactly the sort of thing I need on a day like today, to remember.

[@ilovegamingsomuchfun550]

Whoever dislikes is heartless and has no soul

[@almirlobo218]

Im a liberal and this video touched me just like the others..

[@TheFunGun5]

@Demiclea Has your right wing implanted hatred maybe you an idiot? Why would a liberal be angry at Democrats propaganda? And how can it be both Democrat propaganda and anti-Muslim at the same time? This painting entire sets of people with the same brush is what's wrong with this county, be ashamed that you've added to it.

[@TheFlamerWolf]

It could be isis disliking it

[@dinnersandvich9329]

@Demiclea nice job making this political, you are the dumbest type of idiot

[@nathanrock9269]

Demiclea true

[@tylerwolf7021]

3436 dude that's insane

[@robertmarzano9189]

God Bless All The Heroes Lost That Fateful Day🙏

[@kzh2313]

watching this again on 9/11 2017. God bless America

[@MiguelYouTube722]

Note: John Vigiano Sr. Dies at 79 after battling throat cancer

[@Jomster777]

I'm at least glad he's now reunited with his 2 boys. I'm sure all of us here want that too someday, to be reunited with our lost loved ones

[@maddymiller4146]

Who's chopping onions here? Is it the onion chopping ninjas? Damn those onion chopping ninjas

[@mysteriousperson1413]

maddy miller I know right they come back specifically one day a year and sometimes even more

[@SCPEthicsCommittee]

R.I.P Joe Vigiano & John Vigiano Jr. *You both will be missed!* 💙❤🇺🇸

[@silent_ranger8626]

This last words were "I love you." No one can ask for anything better than the last thing from them is I love you

[@Krischopischo123]

Today it was the anniversary of 9/11 and i cried the whole day

[@LivingWithTheGuzmans]

Thanks

[@magdalenawilliams1692]

Sorry for your loss. God Bless You! Thank You for sharing your story.

[@mrredeyes7021]

Every year I come back to this video it still hurts Every time

[@ayrton56612]

All these cop haters in 2020 need to see stuff like this

[@ellieblunden1463]

Nah. ACAB you bastard.

[@blipsauce1143]

@@ellieblunden1463 shut the fuck up you worthless prick you’re brainwashed by the media

[@ellieblunden1463]

@@blipsauce1143 mald

[@blipsauce1143]

@@ellieblunden1463 lol you don’t even know what that means. You probably use the word simp still.

[@ellieblunden1463]

@@blipsauce1143 mald

[@asscheeks3212]

Remember "Donald Trump" used to be a phrase for wanting to be Rich or a funny actor, during the 1990s there were no political meanings behind this.

[@SirMevan]

I remember seeing this on the TV in the Memorial Gift Shop when my parents took us there for the first time. I had to be like 14/15. That ending always stuck with me even now 11 years later. At least he told them the most important words a father can tell his children. Im glad he at least was able to sleep okay.

[@JenniferDWilson721]

I watch this every year as a reminder of the sacrifices made that day

[@125prabhjot]

"Ironically, 3436" WHY? GOD, WHY?

[@MrDeadpool-ur5ny]

Man I fell so bad fore this mans kids losing thim on 9/11 so sad 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@srsgas1]

I always say I love you to my mom and dad. Every day, multiple times

[@pizzatime3367]

Two heroes, god bless them and anyone like them

[@muhammadsaif2739]

Srrsly Who disliked..

[@D_LGND]

Sad people

[@James-ih2lr]

EOW Capt John Vigiano Sr. FDNY 7/8/18 Son of a FDNY Firefighter, Father of a NYPD Detective, Father of a FDNY Firefighter, lost both kids on 9/11, spent the rest of his retirement working for Wounded Warriors. United States Marine. #FDNY #NYPD #USMC #9/11 #EOW

[@TheJeremydingeman]

I haven't cried for probably 10 years. Its good for you to cry every once in a while to remember that you're human.

[@crcoghill]

Another year, another time to honor those who aren't with us, risking their lives for others.