Reflections on a Day of Tragedy and Resilience in New York City!
- Karitas Mitrogogos
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
September 11, 2001, remains etched in the hearts and minds of people everywhere. For many, it's a day filled with sorrow, but for others, it symbolizes resilience and unity in times of crisis. I often find myself reflecting on this pivotal day, not only because of its historical significance but also due to my personal memories of that day while working for the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, USA in New York City.
That morning began like any typical day, but there was unexpected tension in the air, as though the city was collectively holding its breath. As soon as I arrived at the office, my late husband, the Senior Trade Commissioner of Greece in New York, called to inform me that a major Greek television station had contacted him to verify that the first tower had been struck. A wave of disbelief washed over me, and I recall the unsettling silence in our office as we hurried to the television, anxiously hoping it was a dreadful error.
As we gathered around the screen, it became painfully clear that we were witnessing a nightmare. The second tower was struck while we watched, a moment that changed everything forever. Throughout the day, our office remained glued to that screen, absorbing the unfolding tragedy. The chaos echoed through New York City, shaking the foundation of a place known for its strength.
A blend of shock and shared mourning permeated the atmosphere, signifying the loss of innocence for a lively city. Later that afternoon, when I went outside, I saw the streets teeming with people heading uptown, all coated in thick dust from the collapsed buildings. Each person seemed to carry a silent story, sharing the weight of a city plunged into a profound crisis. It was in that moment I witnessed the true spirit of New York: a city that can bend but never breaks.
Recently, while visiting friends in Long Island, NY, I had the privilege of attending an event hosted by the American Legion Southold Post 803 aimed at raising awareness about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the BEtheONE Veterans Program. The guest speaker, FDNY Lt. Joe Torrillo, shared his compelling Buried in the Rubble survival story. As a first responder, he endured the horror of being buried alive, not once but twice, in the rubble of the Twin Towers.
Listening to Lt. Torrillo speak about his struggles with PTSD and the deep scars left by 9/11 was both heartbreaking and inspiring. His story resonated with the resilience that we cultivated in the days, months, and years after that tragic Tuesday. He reminded us of life’s fragility but also of the unyielding human spirit.
Reflecting on my personal experience with acute trauma while residing in Tehran, Iran, as the spouse of a Senior Greek Diplomat during the Iran/Iraq war in the 1980s, along with the stories shared at the American Legion event, I realized how important these narratives are for our collective healing. Remembering the past helps us honor those we lost while reinforcing the strength within us all. In our fast-evolving world, we can incorporate the lessons of resilience into our daily lives, fostering our communities and supporting one another.
As I left the event, I felt a renewed sense of hope. This hope isn’t just for me or the survivors of that fateful day. It extends to everyone facing their own challenges and carrying their invisible burdens.
So how can we continue to honor the memory of September 11 and the stories that emerged from it? Here are some of things I believe we need to do:
Embrace Communities
Communities possess the unique ability to uplift and support one another. Participating in local volunteer efforts or reaching out to neighbors with small acts of kindness can create ripples of positivity.
Share Stories
Encouraging people to share their personal experiences can deepen our understanding of one another. Each shared story provides insight into our collective journey, allowing us to appreciate the diverse narratives that shape our history.
Educational Programs
I feel it's essential that we ensure younger generations are aware of the events that have shaped our world. Creating educational programs that keep memories alive helps preserve the lessons learned from tragedies and resilience.
Practicing Mental Wellness
Promoting open dialogues about mental health is essential. FDNY Lt. Torrillo’s experience, highlights the long-lasting effects of trauma or PTSD. By normalizing conversations about mental wellness, we can create a healthier society where individuals feel at ease seeking assistance for mental health concerns.
To everyone who remembers that day, may we find strength within each other and transform shared grief into collective hope for future generations.
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