Throwback Memories

Edna Cintron, seen here on the 93rd floor of the North Tower, remained visible as she waited for rescue on September 11, 2001. She tragically lost her life when the building collapsed. We remember her courage and every person who held on in those final moments.

"An American flag flies at half-staff in the foreground while the North Tower burns behind it, sending a huge plume of thick black smoke into the clear blue sky.

A helicopter hovers nearby, one of the many trying to help or document the unfolding horror on September 11, 2001.

This image captures the raw emotion of that day — patriotism and tragedy side by side.We remember every life lost with the deepest sorrow and respect."

"They stood frozen on the street, watching the North Tower pierce through the choking smoke.
In those first terrifying minutes after the South Tower fell, ordinary New Yorkers — including these two men in white — witnessed history’s darkest chapter unfold before their eyes.
More than 3,000 innocent lives were stolen that day. Countless others were forever changed.
Yet from the ashes rose unimaginable courage, kindness, and unity.
We honor every victim, every first responder, and every soul who carried the weight of that morning.
Their memory lives on in our promise: Never forget."

"The chaos in the plaza just minutes after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower.

Papers from offices hundreds of feet above rained down like snow. Survivors stumbled through the debris, trying to comprehend what had just happened.
This haunting image captures the very first moments when the world realized nothing would ever be the same again.

September 11, 2001. Never forget the human cost behind these scenes."

"On the night of September 10, 2001,
246 individuals retired for the night, readying themselves for their morning flights. 2,606 individuals settled in for the night, preparing for work the following day. 343 firefighters went to bed, anticipating their next shift. 60 police officers turned in for the night, gearing up for morning patrol duties. 8 paramedics went to sleep, preparing for their morning shift dedicated to saving lives, and 1 K9 went to bed, having been a good boy
None of them could foresee what awaited them past 10:00 am the next morning, September 11, 2001. In an instant, their lives were tragically cut short."

"The only known photo of the underground fires at Ground Zero.
Taken on October 30, 2001 — nearly seven weeks after the attacks — this rare image captures the glowing red embers and molten fires still burning deep beneath the massive pile of rubble. The fires raged underground for months, some reaching temperatures hot enough to melt steel.
A haunting and eerie reminder of the devastation that continued long after the towers fell. We will never forget. 💔"

As one of the Twin Towers came crashing down on September 11, 2001, a monstrous cloud of dust and debris exploded outward, rolling through the streets like a living wave. The old church steeple stood silently in the foreground, silhouetted against the horror, bearing witness as the skyline that had defined New York for decades vanished in seconds. In that moment the whole city held its breath. We will never forget the lives lost or the day that changed everything forever.

"Susan Elizabeth Ancona Pinto was born on November 20, 1956 in Brooklyn, NY. She had two sisters, Dorothy and Barbara, and a brother, Frank. She lived in New Springville, Staten Island, NY. Susan’s main priority in life was her two sons, Nicholas, age 14, and Joseph, age 11 (at the time of Susan’s passing). Susan’s sister, Barbara, remembered, “She loved her job, she was challenged by it, but she loved her children more. Her children were her first job, her first and last love. She was the volunteer mother of the century. She worked full time, and was the soccer mom, class mother, she was the volunteer for everything.” Susan made a point of attending all of her children’s sports games and take them on vacations, as well as to go skiing and whitewater rafting. She had just taken them to Discovery Cove in Orlando, FL, in July, on a trip to celebrate her mother’s 80th birthday. Susan also had a special relationship with her niece, Patricia Gray, who said, “Aunt Sue was my savior and will forever be my savior. I cherished our friendship. I will always carry her with me and I thank her for being there for me.” Susan also enjoyed reading and swimming in her free time and was a member of Cantor Fitzgerald’s softball team. She was described by her friends and family as kind, selfless, hardworking, and giving.
Susan worked as vice president of systems infrastructure for Cantor Fitzgerald’s subsidiary, eSpeed, on the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower. She had worked for the firm for over twenty years and loved working there. She was present during the World Trade Center Bombing of 1993. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Susan planned to leave work early to watch her son Nicholas’s first football game of the season. At 8:46 a.m., Susan was working on the 103rd floor when Flight 11 struck the North Tower, leaving her floor and all of Cantor’s offices above the impassable impact zone. None of thee firm’s attending employees survived, including Susan. Though her life was sadly cut short on September 11th, Susan’s life, love, accomplishments, and memories are forever cherished and remembered. Her vibrant spirit and legacy will live on forever."

"The helmet and jacket of Ielpi's son Jonathan are on display at the Tribute WTC Visitor Center.

Firefighter Jonathan Lee Ielpi (1973–2001)

FDNY Squad 288 – Loving Father, Dedicated Firefighter, 9/11 Hero

Jonathan Lee Ielpi was born on July 9, 1973, in Great Neck, Long Island. From a young age, he dreamed of becoming a firefighter, inspired by his father, Lee Ielpi, who served with FDNY Rescue 2 in Brooklyn.

Jonathan started his career as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown with the Vigilant Fire Company, where he quickly earned respect for his courage and dedication. Following in his father’s footsteps, he joined the FDNY, assigned to Squad 288 in Queens, one of the city’s elite rescue companies.

More than his work, Jonathan was a devoted father to his two young sons, Andrew and Austin. Family and friends recall his big heart, his sense of humor, and his passion for both firefighting and family life.

September 11, 2001

When the terrorist attacks struck the World Trade Center, Squad 288 responded immediately. Jonathan, only 28 years old, entered the burning towers with his company to help evacuate civilians and assist fellow firefighters. Tragically, like so many of his brothers, he was killed in the collapse of the South Tower.

His body was recovered later, and his father, Lee, personally carried him out from the ruins of Ground Zero — a moment of unimaginable heartbreak and courage that symbolized the bond between father and son, and the sacrifice of an entire generation of first responders.

Legacy

Jonathan’s memory is honored through the September 11th Families’ Association and the Tribute WTC Visitor Center, both co-founded by his father Lee Ielpi, who dedicated his life to telling the stories of the victims and educating future generations.

At the National September 11 Memorial, Jonathan’s name is inscribed on the South Pool, Panel S-26. His volunteer company in Great Neck also honors him with memorials, and his story has been shared in documentaries and tributes as an example of selflessness, love, and service.

Remembering Jonathan Ielpi

Jonathan Ielpi lived his dream as a firefighter and died a hero, rushing into danger to save others. He left behind two children, a grieving family, and a legacy of bravery that will never be forgotten."