I witnessed the horror of 9/11 firsthand. Here's what I learned about God, courage and life
8:46 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, changed my life—and the lives of millions of others—forever. Nineteen hijackers from the terrorist organization Al Qaeda carried out the devil’s work, resulting in the murder of 2,977 innocent souls who were never able to fulfill the measure of their creation. I witnessed the horror unfold up close while working at Merrill Lynch on the top floor of the World Financial Center, adjacent to the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City.
When I heard the loudest explosion, I rushed to the window and saw a gaping hole, chunks of the silver metallic building falling like confetti, massive flames, and black smoke billowing from the North Tower (1 WTC). I could not process what I was seeing. I had walked through 1 WTC only an hour earlier. My first thought was: "People are dying up there." My heart was crushed as the terror continued.
After I watched the second plane slam into the South Tower (2 WTC), I knew we were under attack. I frantically escaped my building. Amid the pandemonium, a sobering question came to mind. For a moment, time stood still, and I asked myself: If I were to die today, am I prepared to meet my Maker? Am I ready to die?
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Through the fear and terror, I experienced a glimmer of peace as I dug deep to make sense of the mayhem. One thing I knew for certain: I was a child of God, and He loved me. I felt that calm reassurance even in the darkness. There was hope. I instantly knew I was at the WTC for a reason. Right then, I vowed that I would stand as a witness for God, serve others, and serve our great nation.
I stayed true to that vow and left the lucrative financial industry in 2009 to serve as an FBI Special Agent.
I witnessed the best and worst of humanity on 9/11. Selflessness, sacrifice, and courage were on full display among the FDNY, NYPD, the Port Authority Police Department, first responders, and everyday civilians who perished protecting strangers. These patriots ran toward danger while everyone else ran away. Passengers on United Flight 93 bravely prevented the plane from reaching its intended target.
We also pay tribute to the thousands of rescue and recovery workers who have since died from health issues resulting from exposure to Ground Zero toxins. No words adequately express the praise these heroes deserve. May all those murdered on 9/11 rest in peace, and may God comfort their loved ones who continue to live with unimaginable loss. The hijackers destroyed towers and killed thousands, but the spirits of those we lost are eternal and will live on forever.
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The leadership of New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was remarkable. It was inspiring to see New York City, the U.S., and the entire world unite in compassion and empathy. There was never a time when we were prouder to be Americans living in the greatest country in the world.
We must call 9/11 exactly what it was: an attack on America by terrorists who despised our freedom and way of life. We must never forget this catastrophe so that history does not repeat itself. New Yorkers are resilient. The terrorists did not win. Yet in 2026, it is unconscionable that fellow Americans proclaim that the U.S. and the blameless victims deserved 9/11. Abhorrent. The moral decline and erosion of the sanctity of human life are alarming.
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I was barely 23 years old then, and 25 years later, 9/11 remains the single most impactful day of my life. The trauma changes you. That living nightmare will remain seared in my mind forever: the gruesome images, acrid smell, carnage, crashing sounds, blaring sirens, and the sight of victims jumping to their deaths out of sheer desperation because it was their only option.
Witnessing countless people die horrific deaths taught me invaluable lessons about living. Tell people you love them often; you never know when it could be your last goodbye. Life is a fragile gift. One second, you’re here, and the next, you may be gone.
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Don’t sweat the small stuff. Careers, net worth, notoriety, titles, wealth, possessions, and power don’t go with you when you leave this earth. Make a positive difference with the talents, gifts, and abundance you’ve been blessed with. Where much is given, much is required. Never be so consumed with inconsequential busyness that you don’t have time to show up for others. True joy and purpose come from easing another’s burden.
Live fearlessly. Don’t become paralyzed by turmoil. Rather than becoming bitter or angry, channel the energy from trauma toward good. Never be a victim. Even amid chaos, it’s possible to feel inner peace.
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Forgive. Show compassion. Be grateful. Exercise faith. Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you. Maintain your integrity regardless of the pressures around you.
Life is short. Make it count. Have no regrets or what-ifs. Take risks. Live fully.
Pray. God knows and loves you. He is there for you.
The most powerful lesson I learned on 9/11 is that a literal battle between good and evil is underway. Standing on the sidelines is no longer an option. Pick your side. Spread light. Live a life of honor. Even amid what can seem like complete moral decay, I can unequivocally declare that, in the end, light will conquer darkness.
Good. Will. Win.
In God we trust.
9/11 — Never Forget.