10/09/2026
25 years ago, NYC was attacked in an unprecedented way.
The whole world stopped in utter disbelief as we watched the horrific scenes unfold. It was like a Hollywood blockbuster, but this wasn't a film, this was reality - OUR awful, shocking reality.
You didn't need to be an American - this wasn't just an attack on America, this was an attack on humanity itself. I still find it as shocking now, as unbelievable now, as I did back then..
In December 2018, my mate and I visited the area in New York. Its a place we wanted to visit – not to gawp, but to, as fellow human beings, pay our respects to those lost on that awful day.
We knew it would be emotional but I don't think either of us were quite prepared for just how emotional it would actally be.
We arrived on the subway and walked out of this building which we then realised was the new World Trade Centre. As we turned around, the Memorial pools, which of course are the footprints of the original Twin Towers were there directly in front of us. It was a real gut-wrenching moment.
One of the first things I noticed about the area was just how peaceful and respectful everything felt. Almost silent against the backdrop of one the busiest cities in the world.
As we approached the pools and got close enough to start reading the names of all the victims of that day etched within the footprints of the Towers, the reality of the pure scale of the event suddenly hits you.
As somebody that's never been to America, sitting there watching that footage on that day, or since, on a screen - you don't quite understand the magnitude of those buildings.
Of course they are no longer there but as previously mentioned the Memorial Pools are formed from the footprints of the original Twin Towers therefore just seeing the size of those pools makes you realise just how big those buildings must have been – and not just in height.
One of the things that really got to me personally was seeing how close the nearest fire house was to the towers. Literally right there on the doorstep and being a fireman's son, it really hit home to me the reality and again, the scale of what those men and women fire service members had to tackle that day. Just horrific and I don't mind telling you, I stood there and blubbed.
It took the respect, which has always been there, for my own Father and the job that he used to do to another level..💕
On that Firehouse today, around the side of the building, are memorial plaques to all of those fire service members that were lost from that particular station that day. It's proper hard hitting stuff..😢
As a whole though, I have to say, the area itself is beautiful. Its done so well - with alot of respect and a huge amount of love. Its so peaceful, humbling and respectful. I've never been to a place like it.
Since the attack, on this day every year, I have remembered - along with millions of others and I will today be thinking of all those lost and affected by the events of 9/11.
Every single one of us should!
25 years on – we will remember ❤💙🙏🏻
Some pics from our visit.. I love you NYC..
Never Forget. RIP🇺🇸❤🗽🙏🏻
📸© : LD CapturedImages
