Everybody is aware of the date that is arriving in just a few days, 9/11; an infamous date that will be remain with us not only for the terrible act that was committed on the World Trade Center but for the amount of heroism that came from all the firefighters and all the ordinary men and women. Many helped, and even sacrificed their lives, in saving others; this is the most important part of that entire day.

Welles Crowther was a hero to many during the tragic attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. He is remembered for helping at least 10 people escape the burning building by carrying them down countless stairwells down to the main floor. Welles became known as “The Man in the Red Bandana” first recognized in a video from ESPN’s Outside the Lines and later in greater detail in the 2016 book of the same name. He distinctly recognized by those survivors he saved by the mark of  the red bandana in his pocket. According to Wikipedia, President Barack Obama, during his May 15, 2014, dedication of the museum, said of Crowther, “They didn’t know his name. They didn’t know where he came from. But they knew their lives had been saved by the man in the red bandana. He called for fire extinguishers to fight back the flames. He tended to the wounded. He led those survivors down the stairs to safety, and carried a woman on his shoulders down 17 flights. Then he went back. Back up all those flights. Then back down again, bringing more wounded to safety. Until that moment when the tower fell.”

There are many tributes to 9/11 that honor the many lives sacrificed and lost. South Ocean Middle School has their own 9/11 memorial. Located outside the front of the building, stands a marble plaque and three red, white, and blue benches. They are to respectfully honor those who lost their lives in this tragedy.

We, at the Red & Black, would like to take this moment to thank those who saved others in the Twin Towers and those who passed in the process. Thank you so much. You honor is greatly appreciated.