Skip to main content
Full Menu Close Menu

Reflections on 9/11

9-11 Courage & Strength

UFT members work every day to make a difference in people's lives. On September 11, 2001, in the face of horror and uncertainty, we were there to make a crucial and, in many cases, a life-saving difference. Teachers, nurses, school counselors, paraprofessionals and others led their charges out of danger, made sure students across the city were cared for while communication and transportation systems were frozen, and calmed the fears of hundreds of thousands of other children. They set a shining example of courage and inspiration.

This feature is filled with a few of the many heartfelt stories that we have gathered from members about that horrendous day and its aftermath. They reflect the best in all of us.

Mulgrew signature

— Michael Mulgrew, President UFT

The stories below were submitted by UFT members. Versions of some of these stories appear in a commemorative book published by the UFT in September 2011; others are exclusive to this online archive.

Download the PDF

First Moments

Escape

Calm and Collected

Loss & Renewal

Moving Forward

New Beginnings

Lending A Hand

Reflections & Hope

More Reflections