Never Forget - Years Later

"A recommended read for any true story fanatic and anyone who would like an insiders perspective into the tragedy. It definately made me phone home and tell my family how much I love them, hitting home that anything could happen to any of us at any time."

Details:
At 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001, fourteen thousand people were inside the World Trade Center just starting their workdays, but over the next 102 minutes, each would become part of a drama for the ages. Of the millions of words written about this wrenching day, most were told from the outside looking in. New York Times reporters Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn draw on hundreds of interviews with rescuers and survivors, thousands of pages of oral histories, and countless phone, e-mail, and emergency radio transcripts to tell the story of September 11 from the inside looking out.

Dwyer and Flynn have woven an epic and unforgettable account of the struggle, determination, and grace of the ordinary men and women who made 102 minutes count as never before.

Never Forget - 11 Years Later

In Memory of Virgin Lucy Francis

Virgin (Lucy) Francis was 62 years old and from Brooklyn, New York. (Born: Dominica). Lucy worked at Windows on the World on the 107th floor in the North Tower at the World Trade Centre.

As a seasoned housekeeper, Lucy took immense pride in polishing the brass and vacuuming the much-trod carpets of Windows on the World. She always insisted that her rooms be as perfect as the view. And although she was scheduled to come to work at 9am on September 11, 2001, she went in early as usual. In fact she should not have gone in at all, she had insisted on working the week before despite a bout of the flu, and the previous Thursday her boss had demanded she go home, telling her, "Don't come back until you're ready."

But, Lucy liked to be out there working, she never liked to sit around at home. And so, on the morning of the terrorist attacks, she took the A train from Fulton Street as she always did, and arrived well before the first plane struck the building.

Her son recalled how hard she had worked all her life, after coming to the US in 1986 from Barbados. Her family still cannot quite believe she is gone.

In Memory of Nicole Carol Miller

Nicole Carol Miller was 21 years old and from and from San Jose, California. Nicole was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93.

Nicole, who was a student at West Valley College in Saratoga, California, made an impulsive decision to fly to the East Coast to vacation with a friend. The couple toured Manhattan landmarks and New Jersey boardwalks and beaches before boarding separate flights to return home. A thunderstorm on the evening of September 10 forced Nicole to re-schedule her flight to the next morning.

United Airlines Flight 93 was crashed into a field, during an attempt by some of the passengers to regain control, killing all 44 people aboard.

Nicole's sister said, "She was brave, heroic, strong-willed and would have fought back with all her might. She was beautiful like a cover girl inside and out."

In Memory of Kimberly S. Bowers

Kimberly S. Bowers was 31 years old and from Islip, NY. Kimberly worked as an administrative staff member for Cantor Fitzgerald in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Kimberly stood outside the World Trade Center talking with a friend on her cellphone. At 8:50 a.m. she said, "Oh my God, a plane just hit the building. I'm getting out of here." Her brother-in-law, Eric, later said, "She was still out in the street. She wasn't even in the building yet."

"In the first years, the grief was just so overwhelming and so horrible there was no possible way that you could think of 9/11 as anything but a horrible, sad time because you're still so close to it. As time goes by and your grief changes and mellows a little, there's no way it's not going to be sad, but it can also be good. It's a time to remember what was good in the life of that person."
 
"We would always go to the zoo. We would go apple picking or pumpkin picking." Allison (Kimberly's sister).

In Memory of Kenneth Tietjen

Kenneth Tietjen was 31 years old and from Matawan, New Jersey.

On September 11, 2001, Kenneth was working his job on the PATH trains when he heard of the attacks. He immediately rushed into Manhattan to help, first commandeering a cab, then hopping an emergency vehicle.

Kenneth led workers, some of them badly burned, from the North Tower before grabbing the last air pack in sight and entering the South Tower.

"He waved to his partner and went in," his mother said.

 Minutes later the tower collapsed.

"He loved everything - life, sports, people, his job. Every day was another project for him. He was a lovable person with many, many friends. And I know it sounds corny, but he was a really good kid. He was born on the Fourth of July. He was a hero."


"I'm still very much in love with Kenny," Kenneth's fiancé said, who still wears, as a pendant, the wedding band they bought on September. 6, 2001, for their planned marriage. "I'm not dating, but I feel very complete now," she said. "I've found some measure of peace. I can laugh now. I couldn't for so long."

In Memory of Marianne MacFarlane

Marianne MacFarlane was 34 years old and from Revere, Massachusetts. Marianne died on September 11, 2001, on United Flight 175 bound for Las Vegas from Boston.

Marianne was a United Airlines gate agent. Marianne was on United Flight 175 for a mini-vacation in Las Vegas. Her mother, Anne MacFarlane, a Logan public service representative and former flight attendant, described Marianne as "everybody's friend."

Marianne worked the 4:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift and would rise at 4:05 to find her mother waiting downstairs to drive her to work. Although she usually tossed an "I'll see ya" over her shoulder, on September 11, 2001, Marianne said "goodbye" as her mother dropped her off at Terminal C. Her mother almost stopped the car to ask, "Why `goodbye'?"

Back at home, Marianne's mother turned on the television as a commentator spoke of the horror unfolding in New York City. Anne watched as her only daughter was murdered. While she didn't know at the time that Marianne was on the plane, an unease grew. Anne at first waited at home with her sons for some piece of news, but then felt an urge to go to the airport. She needed to know. United Airlines employees were gathered around the ticket counter. When they saw her approach, some began to cry.

In Memory of Maurita Tam

Maurita Tam was 22 years old and from New York, NY. Maurita worked for Aon Corporation on the 99th floor in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

Maurita's uncle, Wai-ching Chung, also died in the attack. Mr. Chung was waiting in Manhattan for a shuttle bus to take him to his job in New Jersey when he was hit with falling debris.

Three years later, Maurita's mother was informed that her daughter's purse had been found. She said, "To compare with those families with nothing left from their loved ones, I was thankful".

Maurita described herself best. "I'm awesome!" she would shout, dissolving into giggles.

Maurita's student website, which her college has preserved.

In Memory of William G. Biggart

William G. Biggart was 54 years old and from New York, NY. Bill was an American photojournalist.

On September 11, 2001, Bill walked the two miles from his home in Manhattan to reach the World Trade Center as soon as he learned of the first plane hitting the North Tower.

Bill was soon shooting straight up at the burning buildings. He was not far from the first tower when it fell. After being overtaken by the dust cloud, he photographed the devastation all around him. Wendy, his wife, reached Bill on his cell phone shortly after the first tower fell. He told her not to worry, he would meet her in 20 minutes at his studio. "I’m safe," he assured her, "I'm with the firemen." It was the last time they ever spoke. About 20 minutes later, the second tower collapsed.

Four days after his death, Bill's remains were discovered along with a bag containing his cameras and the CompactFlash card from which the famous photos were recovered.

Bill's wife, said, "Bill's photos display his independent spirit and his exuberant passion for life and photography. He was a person who loved his work and was working at what he loved right up to the end."

The North Tower burning. (Bill Biggart)

Bill Biggart's last photograph, of the fallen South Tower, taken shortly before the North Tower collapsed.

In Memory of Sharon Ann Carver

Sharon Ann Carver was 38 years old and from Waldorf, Maryland. (Born: Columbia, South Carolina).

Things were looking up for Sharon when she showed up for work at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. A 16-year federal employee, Sharon had spent the last decade working as an accountant for the U.S. Army and had recently received a master's degree in business administration from Strayer University.

Sharon was only days back from an annual family vacation at Disney World when she had her life and all of its potential cut short. Terrorists crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the west side of the Pentagon, killing 125 people inside and all 64 people aboard the Boeing 757 jet.

 Sharon was very industrious and took great pride in doing her job well. She loved her country and was very patriotic. "She went to Florida and had fun with the whole family," her nephew, Sean Carver, said.

In Memory of Allison Horstmann Jones

Allison Horstmann Jones was 31 years old and from New York, NY. (Born: Hackensack, New Jersey). Allison worked for Sandler O'Neill on the 104th floor in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

Allison spoke to her parents on the morning of September 11, 2001, when the first plane hit the North Tower. She had been on the 104th floor in the South Tower and planned on fleeing. The last thing she said was, 'I'm going to get out of here.'

Her family watched the two towers burn, grasping onto hope that Allison had made it out in time. Afterwards they went on their own search mission, traveling the streets of New York City and posting dozens of 'missing placards'. They visited every hospital in the city.

In April 2003, investigators found Allison's femur bone. DNA from her hairbrush and toothbrush from her New York apartment matched that from the femur.

"She was the oldest of all of and us and was a great leader. We were friends; we were just getting closer. I always looked up to her." Allison's sister, Jenny.

In Memory of Karen Lynn Seymour

Karen Lynn Seymour was 40 years old and from Millington, NJ.

On September 11, 2001, Karen was attending a financial technology seminar on the 106th floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. She was employed by the ETC division of Garban Intercapital, and regularly worked on the 25th floor of the building.

Karen's husband, William, made a huge decision to keep his wife's memory alive. He founded The Karen L. Seymour Fund at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. Quoting William Dietrich "This will encourage greater global harmony by educating children and families of all backgrounds in the peaceful use of science and technology in the hope that future generations will be spared the pain and horror of this tragedy." His wish is that his children or no other children ever have to experience or witness the violence which occurred on September 11, 2001.

In Memory of Daniel John Lee

Daniel John Lee was 34 years old and from Van Nuys, California. Danny was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11.

On September 11, 2001, Danny was determined to be at his wife's side when she gave birth to their second child. The roadie for the Backstreet Boys had permission to peel away from the band's tour, and after a long night breaking down the stage in Boston, he caught the first flight home to Los Angeles the next morning.

Two days later Danny's wife, Kellie, gave birth to a healthy baby girl. She gave her the first name the couple had picked out together, Allison. But Kellie gave her a different middle name, Danielle, to honor her late husband.

In Memory of Stephen Patrick Cherry

Stephen Patrick Cherry was 41 years old and from Stamford, Connecticut. (Born: New York, NY). Stephen worked as an equity stockbroker at Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th Floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

When Stephen called his wife from work the morning of September 11, 2001, he did not sound at all worried. It was 8:40am, the planes were still miles away, and Stephen was calling to thank his wife, Maryellen, again for making his favorite dinner the night before, orange roast chicken, and to tell her how much he loved her.

At 8:46am, American Airlines Flight 11 ripped a path across floors 94 to 98, directly into the office of Marsh & McLennan Companies, shredding steel columns, wallboard, filing cabinets and computer-laden desks. Its fuel ignited and incinerated everything in its way.

In the equities trading area in the southern part of the 104th floor, looking toward the Statue of Liberty, Stephen pushed a button at his desk to activate the squawk box, a nationwide intercom to other Cantor offices around the country. "Can anybody hear us?" Stephen asked. A trader in Chicago who was listening in later said that she managed to reach a firehouse near the trade center. "They know you're there," she told Stephen.

"The only thing he wanted was to have a big great room, with the kitchen and the family room and the fireplace all in one place. He always wanted to be with me while I was cooking and with the kids when they were watching TV." Maryellen (Stephen's wife).

In Memory of Amy Hope Lamonsoff

Amy Hope Lamonsoff was 29 years old and from Brooklyn, NY. Amy worked for Risk Waters Group.

On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, Amy was an events manager for Risk Waters Group and helping to set the tables for a breakfast conference at the Windows On The World Restaurant on the 106th floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Amy was dedicated to her job and was a great perfectionist. Everything had to be done right or not at all. She was always positive, had a kind word to say to everyone and was the type of person you knew you could always rely on in a crisis. Amy was also deeply considerate of others in her personal and professional life - a $300 tax refund she received was promptly contributed to charities.

Amy's sister recalled: "She loved the Beatles and was devastated when John Lennon was shot, although she was only 8 at the time."

On September 16, 2001, Amy's friends gathered at Strawberry Fields in New York City's Central Park to remember Amy.

In Memory of James Patrick Berger

James Patrick Berger was 44 years old and from Yardley, Pennsylvania. (Born: Queens, New York). James worked for Aon Corporation on the 101st floor in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, James was working in his office in the World Trade Center. He was on the phone with his wife, Suzanne, when the first plane crashed into the North Tower.

"He said, 'Listen, Suze, I just want you to know that something's going on. The lights are flickering. I hear a popping sound. I'll call you back later,' " Suzanne said.

James made the decision to evacuate his personnel. His unselfish sense of duty was emphasized when a crowd of evacuees tried to drag him into an elevator. He firmly stated, "No. I'm going back".

The last elevator carrying Aon employees reached the ground 20 seconds before hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 slammed into the South Tower.

After shepherding 156 of his employees to safety from the 101st floor of the South Tower, James lost his own life on that tragic day.

In Memory of Amy O'Doherty

Amy O'Doherty was 23 years old and from New York, NY. Amy worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Amy had just moved to New York and into her very first apartment. She was happy with her job at Cantor Fitzgerald. The firm had about 1,000 employees on the top floors of the North Tower.

On September 11, 2001, Amy placed a call to her mother shortly after American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into her tower. She said, "tell my mum I'm safe and OK, a plane has hit the tower".

She was never heard from again.

Amy's Greenhouse - the annual ceremony held to commemorate Amy.

In Memory of Roko Camaj

Roko Camaj was 60 years old and from Manhasset, New York. (Born: Sukuruc, Montenegro). Roko worked as a window washer for American Building Maintenance in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Roko had worked there for 27 years.

On September 11, 2001, Roko arrived at work at 6.30am. He had full access to the roof. Most likely, he was on the roof when the first plane hit because he was operating the rig (window-washing) that day. He probably heard the plane coming.

When the South Tower was his by United Airlines Flight 175, Roko made one phone call to his mother at 9.14am from the 105th floor. He said, "I'm on the 105th floor. There's at least 200 people here." He was waiting for the okay to go up or down. Before the second plane hit, they told him to stay where he was, he had a walkie-talkie. Then he said, "Don't upset my kids, we're all in God's hands."



Roko once said: "It was me and the sky up here. I bother no one, and no one bothers me."

In Memory of Mark Bingham

Mark Bingham was 31 years old and from New York, NY. (Born: Phoenix, Arizona). Mark was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93.

Mark Bingham was last to board United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. He arrived late and nearly missed the flight. Mark sat in seat 4D, in the rear of first class, just behind the cockpit. At 9:28am the plane was hijacked by terrorists.

Mark made a brief airphone call to his mother, Alice, saying 'I love you'. Later Alice left a voicemail message on Mark's cell phone, instructing her son to attempt to reclaim the aircraft after it became apparent that Flight 93 was to be used in a suicide attack.

It is widely believed that Mark was part of a group of passengers who attempted to stop the hijackers from reaching their intended destination. During the attempt, however, the plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

"It gives me a great deal of comfort to know my son may have been able to avert the killing of many, many innocent people." Alice.


United 93 (Widescreen Edition)
It's an event that shook the world. Honest, unflinching and profoundly moving, United 93 tells the unforgettable story of the heroic passengers and crew members who prevented the terrorists from carrying out their plans for the fourth hijacked plane on September 11, 2001. As on-ground military and civilian teams scrambled to make sense of the unfolding events, forty people who sat down as strangers found the courage to stand up as one.

In Memory of Debra Marie Paris

Debra Marie Paris was 48 years old and from New York, NY. Debra worked for Sandler O'Neill on the 104th floor in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

When Herman Sandler, president of Sandler O'Neill, bought his yacht, he turned everything over to Debra, saying, "Let me know when the money runs out." She did the rest, from hiring a captain to paying the marina. 'No Problem' was his name for the boat — fitting, no doubt, from his point of view, but only because of Debra.

On September 11, 2001, 83 people came to work at Sandler O'Neill and 66 never went home.

"She was like my wife, my child, my mother, my best friend. And I was a husband and father and child and brother to her." Jimmy (Debra's husband).

In Memory of Daniel David Bergstein

Daniel David Bergstein was 38 years old and from Teaneck, New Jersey. (Born: New York, NY). Daniel was the board secretary for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

On September 11, 2001, none of his co-workers at the Port Authority had seen Daniel enter his office on the 67th floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The only person who spotted him was a secretary in the lobby, who saw him get into an elevator minutes before American Airlines Flight 11 hit the building.

Daniel's daughter, Adrianna Bergstein, knows something has been very wrong since September 11, when her father didn't come to pick her up from kindergarten class as promised. But she can't yet grasp it.

"We think she's really blocked it out," her mother, Alicia, said softly. "She really worshiped him. Everything was 'Daddy.' . . . She was completely Daddy's little girl."

Daniel was supposed to pick up Adrianna at 12:30 pm that day. He had planned on taking her into his office at the World Trade Center - a trip he knew she loved.


Alicia Bergstein, center, comforts her children Devin Bergstein, left, and Adrianna Bergstein while visiting the National September 11 Memorial at the World Trade Center site in New York. (Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011).

In Memory of Karen Ann Martin

Karen Ann Martin was 40 years old and from Danvers, Massachusetts. Karen was the lead flight attendant on the American Airlines Flight 11.

In 1989, Karen became an American Airlines flight attendant and, jumping up onto a chair, proclaimed to her friends: "There is now something special in the air!"

On September 11, 2001, Karen became the first victim of the attacks. She was brutally attacked on the plane for the keys to the cockpit, which were in her possession.

Karen was not married but was known as 'Aunt Karen' to her friends kids. When asked about her safety as a Flight Attendant, Karen said, "I love my job and whatever happens, happens. I love my job." Karen's aunt, Joan Greener, recalls, "She loved people, but wasn't intimidated by people, and I know she didn't go down without a fight."

In Memory of Edward Thomas Strauss

Edward Thomas Strauss was 44 years old and from Edison, New Jersey. (Born: New York, NY). Edward worked as Superintendent of Operations at the World Trade Center.

As Chief of World Trade Center Operations, one of his duties was to be part of the initial response to any call for help within the complex.

Edward had a critical role in 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Six lives were lost that cold February afternoon, including a good friend of Eddie's. She was six months pregnant, working in the office next door to his when the explosion occurred. His life spared, he immediately swung into action, breaking through rubble to get to rescue workers and the injured.

When the Twin Towers were attacked on the morning of September 11, 2001, Edward once again chose to stay and put plans into action. Those plans helped save other people's lives.

"When we heard what happened to the buildings, we knew he was in there. From the time he was young, he was taking care of people. That's probably the way he died. He was a very giving person. Anybody who needed him, he was there, at work, at home, anywhere." Theresa, (Edward's sister).

In Memory of Giovanna Galletta Gambale

Giovanna Galletta Gambale was 27 years old and from Brooklyn, NY. Giovanna worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Giovanna and her sister, Antonia, were both working in the North Tower. Antonia worked on the fifth floor, and was able to get out right away. She called her father, Anthony, in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, and told him she was OK. He told her to come home. Then he said, "What about your sister?"

Giovanna known to her friends as 'Gennie' could not escape.

"When that first plane hit the World Trade Center, it hit all of our hearts, because our Gennie was there. When the towers crumbled, our hearts crumbled because our Gennie was there. But like Grandma says, Gennie quickly flew away from there, she flew away from there with her big Gennie smile on her face. We will always have Gennie with us." Lisa Baeurle (Giovanna's cousin).

In Memory of Sara Elizabeth Manley

Sara Elizabeth Manley was 31 years old and from New York, NY. Sara worked for Fred Alger Management on the 93rd floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the northern facade of the North Tower, impacting between the 93rd and 99th floors.

On August 11, 2001, Sara married Bill Harvey at a storybook wedding in Chapel Hill, N.C. Sara oversaw every detail, down to the magenta-colored napkins that matched the roses the flower girls carried. She took as much time planning the menu for three guests who were vegetarians as she did for the other 120 invitees. "That's the kind of person Sara was. She wanted to make sure everyone was happy."

"My marriage lasted exactly one month." Bill said.

In Memory of Joanne Mary Cregan

Joanne Mary Cregan was 32 years old and from Brooklyn, New York. (Born: Dublin, Ireland). Joanne worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

On September 11, 2001, the North Tower collapsed at 10:28 am, after burning for 102 minutes.

Some of the Joanne's remains were found months later and identified by DNA testing. Joanne's family were surprised to hear that the necklace she had been wearing was also located. Joanne's mother Mary said, "We don't know how they identified it, but it is very special to us to have it back."

Joanne had moved to New York with her sister Grace. They bought apartment, just two floors apart, in Brooklyn Heights. The pair were inseparable. They sent each other emails throughout the day and watched TV together at night. Grace worked in the South Tower and managed to escape.

In the New York Times Portraits of Grief her sister Grace spoke about how difficult it have been for her since her sister's death. She said "She was an excellent big sister…Sometimes it just hits me that I'll never see her again. I won't get to grow old with her."

In Memory of Todd Morgan Beamer

Todd Morgan Beamer was 32 years old and from Cranbury, New Jersey. (Born: Flint, Michigan). Todd was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93.

On September 11, 2001, Todd left his home for a one-day business trip to San Francisco.

After United Airlines Flight 93 was hijacked, Todd and other passengers communicated with people on the ground via airphones and cell phones, and learned that the World Trade Center and the Pentagon had been attacked using hijacked airplanes.

Todd tried to place a credit card call through a phone located on the back of a plane seat but was routed to a customer-service representative instead, who passed him on to GTE supervisor Lisa Jefferson. Todd reported that one passenger was killed and, later, that a flight attendant had told him the pilot and co-pilot had been forced from the cockpit and may have been wounded. He was also on the phone when the plane made its turn in a southeasterly direction, a move that had him briefly panicking. Later, he told the operator that some of the plane's passengers were planning to "jump on" the hijackers and fly the plane into the ground before the hijackers' plan could be followed through.

Todd then recited The Lord's Prayer. Todd's last audible words were "Are you guys ready? Okay, let's roll."

Todd's daughter, Morgan Kay, was born on January 9, 2002, approximately four months after his death.

Let's Roll!: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage
This is the best seller that has brought comfort and hope to millions since 9/11. Let's Roll! is the moving, behind-the-scenes story of United Flight 93 hero Todd Beamer and his widow, Lisa Beamer.

In Memory of Kenneth Joseph Marino

Kenneth Joseph Marino was 40 years old and from Monroe, New York. Kenneth was a firefighter for New York City Fire Department, Rescue Company 1.

On September 11, 2001, Kenneth put on his helmet and responded to the World Trade Center less than one hour after his wife, Katrina, and their children, Kristin, and Tyler, had paid him a surprise visit at his Manhattan firehouse. He sat the kids on one of the trucks, held Kristin in his lap. And then they were gone.

Nine men responded from Rescue One including four who were off duty at the time. Two of their bodies were later recovered from the stairwell of Tower One. But seven, including Kenneth, were never found.

Katrina has kept the damaged helmet her husband wore into the North Tower. "It's nice to have that," she said. "It's nice to have that special object, something tangible that I can see and hold."

Katrina, who met her husband when she was working as a flight attendant, said she has not remarried and still struggles to cope without him.

"We have a long road to travel, this is going to be a life changing journey, one I never thought we would have to make. We are lucky to have such a wonderful support system. Family, friends and the nation have all shown such kindness. I know we will not be alone in this journey. Thank you all." Katrina.

Katrina is featured in this Life book The American Spirit: Meeting the Challenge of September 11

In Memory of Karen Elizabeth Hagerty

Karen Elizabeth Hagerty was 34 years old and from New York, NY. Karen worked for Aon Corporation on the 105th floor in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

On September 11, 2001, when the first plane crashed into the North Tower, Karen and her colleagues immediately started the evacuation of their building. They were at the 78th floor awaiting the express elevator when the second plane struck their tower.

As some office workers spoke nervously of the loved ones they were rushing to rejoin, Karen joked, "I have a horse and two cats", as she was squeezed out of an elevator spot.

One of Karen's colleagues who had been with her on the 78th floor managed to survive, and revealed to Karen's parents that Karen died upon the impact of the second plane.

"My sister loved her animals more than life," Karen's sister said. "She called them her kids."

In Memory of Jennifer Louise Fialko

Jennifer Louise Fialko was 29 years old and from Teaneck, New Jersey. Jennifer worked for AON Corporation on the 92nd floor in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

Jennifer had just found the man she believed to be her soulmate, David.

On September 11, 2001, she called David at 8:59 after the first plane hit the North Tower. She realized she needed to get out of the tower. He told her to call back when she got to the bottom. The second plane hit her tower at 9:03. Nobody ever heard from her again.

At 24, an age when most people are busy with first jobs and apartments, Jennifer was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. She was 29 before she fully recovered. Beating cancer made her glow with new confidence. She felt she could do anything.

"She was convinced she was now going to live to 120," said Andrew Fialko, her brother. "And we believed her."