Anthony Palmeri

Anthony Palmeri was a sanitation worker for the New York City Department of Sanitation on September 11, 2001. That morning, he and his partner were in Uptown Manhattan when they overheard a passerby say that a plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Like many people, they initially assumed it was a terrible accident. However, they soon knew something much more was unraveling when, 17 minutes later, another plane hit the South Tower.

Thoughts raced through Palmeri’s mind of the firefighters who were actively risking their lives at the scene, knowing that they may not make it out. He knew he had to help in some way, so he committed to being part of the rescue and recovery efforts.

Throughout the months it took to clean up from the events of September 11, Palmeri helped with the removal of the 1.8 million tons of steel and debris that were left behind after the collapse of the Twin Towers. He witnessed many heroes on September 11 and in the days following. From firefighters digging through the rubble for body parts to identify people, carrying their brothers or a civilian off the pile of debris, to the work of police officers, Port Authority police, and many others – who all are heroes in Palmeri’s eyes.

In the nine months of the recovery efforts, Palmeri recalls seeing people walking with photos of their loved ones, desperate to find them. He recalls thinking to himself, “that could be me.” Palmeri will never forget the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, as well as those who lost their lives afterwards from 9/11-related illnesses. He will never forget the families that lost loved ones – all of those who live with 9/11 every single day.

Palmieri hopes everyone understands, especially younger generations, that the people and their stories are why we should never forget. He believes the best message he could give to younger generations is not to wait for tragedy to come together, just be a good person, be kind, and do what is right.