We Were There, December 19, 2018

9/11 Family Members Ray H. and Jim G. share their personal stories of September 11th in their 9/11 Tribute Museum presentation of We Were There on stage at the National September 11th Memorial Museum.
Ray's wife Barbara worked in Midtown for Marsh & McLennan, but on 9/11 was in a meeting at their corporate office on the 99th floor of the North Tower. His life was forever altered that day, as he learned the hard way that each day spent with loved ones should be treasured. Still, Ray considers himself one of the lucky ones because Barbara's remains were able to be positively identified, and he was able to hold a memorial service for her.
Jim's brother Joe worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the uppermost floors of the North Tower, and was among those who were trapped after the impact of the plane destroyed the stairwells of the building. Jim's story is one of personal healing, and the journey of coping with the loss of his brother after being haunted by recurring nightmares.

[@paulaharlfinger829]

My only brother worked for Marsh & McClellan. On a last minute whim, he and four other attorneys decided to fly to Houston for depositions on the night of the 10th, missing that morning meeting. They were the only survivors. He was devastated.

[@mariposamoreno]

thank goodness he made the decision he did. best wishes to you and him

[@taffycat93]

Every year or so, I come onto KZbin and look up everything 9/11 all over again. I find myself traumatized by the images and stories every time. But I keep coming back. We must never forget. 💗🙏

[@willettej7988]

Me too. Thanks for helping me not feel crazy

[@linrogers4326]

What a wonderful man Jim is. His story had me in tears. He spoke so profoundly. God bless him and all the other victims of 911.

[@jcanyiam8309]

I had to RELISTEN to Jim's story OVER AGAIN to TRULY understand HOW POWERFUL his story of His Brother is!!! WOW!!! Thank You, Jim- STAY WELL (You'll NEVER Walk Alone)

[@PutDownTheBunny]

I have heard many of these talks and they all hit me deeply. This one however, hit me a little deeper. Thank you Judith, Ray and Jim.

[@michelledeluigi3956]

I know how you feel i googled there names an read there tributes from their families so sad

[@kimberlymurray9962]

SAME. I am shattered right now, and I believe, wholeheartedly that I will never forget Mr. Giacconi 🙏 rip

[@tq2769]

Jim's story about his brother Joe and Jim himself really blew my mind. I've watched a lot of these and every story is compelling, but this one went right to the quick.

[@mommad9863]

Yes! I'm squalling. His story was so powerful and profound. He's an amazing story teller. I'll never forget.

[@petertomasetti3338]

This guys story about the mountain is one of the best stories I've ever seen on this.

[@taffycat93]

Agreed!

[@3PCTManOrBust]

Out of all the stories I heard so far, Jim's story about his brother really hit home. God bless you all!

[@Germansheppuplover]

Your brother Joe will never be forgotten and did not die in vain, your story has touched me and lives across the world, across the years and will always, love triumphed even through such unbearable pain. God Bless you and Joe 🙏 from New Zealand.

[@taffycat93]

It was pretty amazing that he got a few pieces of his wife back when she had been in the 99th floor! Very humbling to listen to these stories.

[@jenniferbelcher3622]

I've watched most of these now and this one just stands apart. I promise you Jim that Joe will not be forgotten and that your story made an enormous impact. Thank you.

[@SloppyHorrorPodcast]

Who could dislike these videos? All of you survivors are American heroes. God Bless 🇺🇸

[@billglaser]

Now that I hear your story, your brother will never ever be forgotten, as long as this video exists millions will remember him...

[@leanneadams2549]

Twenty years later and I’d still like to help I just don’t know what or how but I do know that I will make sure my grandson doesn’t forget!!!! I will never forget ! 🥀❤️😢🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@dannylarry9408]

So devastating still 19 years later. Never forget.

[@laureenweyell8801]

Judith is such a wonderful facilitator.

[@deec411]

I read the CNN bios of all those lost on that horrific day. I needed to pay tribute to each victim who were simply living their life when they were senselessly murdered. Sending prayers to the loved ones of each precious person for continued strength and healing. 🙏🏻

[@taffycat93]

Where did you find those bios...?

[@37Raffaella]

Ray is a lovely person.....

[@cathyjresindesigns]

I have watched many of these stories, and my heart aches for all of them, but this one had me in tears. God bless you all...

[@emmas5000]

So sweet how Ray has a photo of his wife in his hand. Jim’s story is amazing too. God bless you both ❤️❤️

[@Kevsadone]

I am speechless. That was utterly profound and beautifully told

[@richardpoplis6777]

RAY.. I AM SO SAD TO HEAR THIS STORY.. YOU DO HAVE A NICHE.. YOU PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS ARE AWESOME.. BARBARBA.. IS IN HEAVEN.. BELEIVE ME... GOD BLESS YOU ..RAY

[@taffycat93]

The second story is so classic of PTSD. I admire him so much for sharing his story. I'm so glad he resolved things internally to some extent. I'll remember his brother Joe, as well as Ray and his story about his wife,from this video. 💗

[@marcellaleitedasilvaalves6722]

Man, Jim's story was hard.

[@trippylizard2802]

Can someone please speak on battalion Chief NYCFD battalion 7 Orio Palmer and what he did on the day of 9/11? I saw how courageous he was in a CBS documentary of 9/11. If you don’t know his name please look him up. He is an amazing firefighter who gave his life to save innocent civilians. A true hero!!

[@KarmasAbutch]

Good Lord Jim tells a story better than most pro movie voice over / narrators. I could physically see every frame of his experience in my minds eye and his brothers face at the end forms the final image as the credits would roll. I cried like a baby. What a lesson in the power of Humanity and human connection. ❤️‍🩹

[@taffycat93]

I'm about to cry listening about the story of Joseph Michael. What an amazing speaker this man is. God bless!

[@juskym]

Very powerful stories. Thank you so much for sharing the most tragic day of your lives. I will always remember your stories and your loved ones.

[@graceandglamor]

So touching. Almost 20 years later...these stories made 9/11 even more real for me than when I watched the original footage the day it happened.

[@robingore]

Thank You Ray & Jim

[@janice576]

Wow, We will never forget..🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 What powerful stories.. God bless you all. 😇🙏🏻😇🙏🏻

[@bacaworld7095]

Never, ever, ever will I EVER FORGET!

[@BabsLongfellow]

I will remember. Thank-you for sharing these deeply personal stories. With tears running down my face, I thank you both. May God continue to bless you.

[@leanneadams2549]

Well said Barbie and I am crying and feeling the same !!!

[@keithbertschin1213]

Wonderful presenter, so sorry for your loss

[@mellowyellowmom7631]

May God bless you all!💕🙏🏻💕

[@mtio2807]

We remember. We will tell our kids. Our kids will tell their kids. We will never forget.

[@QS-si3cq]

I wondered how they presented the remains to those that actually wanted to see them. This is the first video in this series I've seen that addressed that. What a tough proposition to consider the forces at work that day, in that most people recovered were blown apart in the attack events and/or pulverized in the tower collapse that day. As the host said, people really do wonder about things like that, so it was a big, personal share to make to a room of strangers.

[@carolines3953]

I’m sure the families hope their loved one didn’t suffer; that it was quick. Like Ray said, his wife was at point of entry on the 99th floor and that’s all they recovered of her so he can hope it was quick. I can’t imagine what people trapped above faced. My mind can’t go there. But to know that people chose to jump rather than face the fires inside, it’s unfathomable and breaks my heart.

[@audreyperrin320]

I love hearing the stories I did not know anyone that was there

[@judithniles2827]

Judith, we want to hear your story of September 11th.

[@richardpoplis6777]

JIM.. THANKS FOR TELLING YOUR STORY.. GOD BLESS YOU.. SO SORRY ON YOUR LOSS OF YOUR BROTHER JOE..

[@ubernate860]

I cant imagine being handed a few small pieces of your loved one. Awful

[@MissBe737]

Thank you for sharing. Your family members will not be forgotten. May God comfort you

[@gibsonindistress418]

Thank you both for sharing your stories.

[@gretchenweddle2298]

Thank you for posting ❤ Never Forget

[@melinda5777]

Both GENTLEMEN were great! Thank you both for sharing!

[@tinaturner134]

The towers were Post to be to be a safe place rest in peace lovely angel 9/11

[@imshaehen9971]

Touched! Xoxo from Dallas Texas

[@thenanlife1141]

Truly remarkable people

[@lynnlopresti5869]

We will not forget. These stories are heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing. I am so deeply sorry for your loss!

[@stephc7127]

I remember your brother Joe today.

[@amandac7270]

Thank you for sharing your stories. I’ve been listening to them all for the past week.

[@HidiNichole]

Thank you for sharing your stories. I will never ever forget.

[@shawnpeters2669]

They will never be forgotten.

[@Atheenah]

Powerful and emotional. 🙏🏼

[@sashas8168]

So heart breaking...

[@michellemahar9030]

Thank you for sharing this. Please know that by sharing your stories you have helped so many.

[@juliamarin4896]

Thank you for taking the time to share your stories.

[@haroldpuckett9196]

May God bless you all

[@Augfordpdoggie]

Ray's story is crazy, if they gave me pieces of my wifes body, I was absolutely lose my shi and never recover

[@ashleyparks1738]

I can't believe 9/11 happened and we still don't have answers for family members.

[@icecreamcoveredchocolate359]

Thank you both for sharing. Heartbreaking day.

[@VickiBee]

I was a friend. . ..and a neighbor, but I don't think that counts. With HIS family, it makes sense, but not mine. I would want my friends there as much as family because my family has so many issues with narcissism and I was a foster child; she wasn't my real mother and he wasn't my real dad, but suddenly we were "family?" That's one reason I think someone can definitely choose family. You choose your spouse too. That must be what Eric meant when he said you can think of some friends as family and that some friends are better than family.

[@BobThePlayer]

Thank you for sharing your stories 🙏 ❤️

[@whitevaultgirl]

Thank you for sharing!

[@ericrerrud1145]

It’s good to hear other stories. Almost every 9/11 documentary tells the exact same handful of stories.

[@allysonh6410]

Judith does an amazing job

[@ItsLina]

Wow....

[@yeahnoonecaresifyouarefirst]

That was God's way of letting you know hell is real.......

[@marynelson7995]

❤️

[@atulshetty3127]

Please interview Stanley praimnath and brian Clark in ur show

[@fogums]

Lest we forget the victims of 9/11

[@sharonkostiuk9259]

6:51

[@USAOnlineCasinos]

Judith needs to talk less...obnoxious

[@KK-ur6wl]

WHY CANT THIS JUDITH TALK LOUDER !!!ANNOYING

[@TheEverythingdavid1]

@alicia baldwin what is wrong with you