Tuesday's Children helps kids who lost a parent in 9/11 attacks | 60 Minutes Archive

>> Of all the things we've heard about >> Of all the things we've heard about 9/11, among the most troubling is this. 9/11, among the most troubling is this. 9/11, among the most troubling is this. About 3,000 children lost a parent that About 3,000 children lost a parent that About 3,000 children lost a parent that day. Their average age was 9 years old. day. Their average age was 9 years old. day. Their average age was 9 years old. With the 5th anniversary, we wondered With the 5th anniversary, we wondered With the 5th anniversary, we wondered what's become of this 9/11 generation. what's become of this 9/11 generation. what's become of this 9/11 generation. What we've discovered is What we've discovered is What we've discovered is for many of them it's been a for many of them it's been a for many of them it's been a bewildering, painful time. For some it bewildering, painful time. For some it bewildering, painful time. For some it feels like it's still September the feels like it's still September the feels like it's still September the 12th. 12th. 12th. To help them move forward, a group To help them move forward, a group To help them move forward, a group called Tuesday's Children has organized called Tuesday's Children has organized called Tuesday's Children has organized counseling, mentoring, and summer trips counseling, mentoring, and summer trips counseling, mentoring, and summer trips to help shepherd the children who lost a to help shepherd the children who lost a to help shepherd the children who lost a parent all the way through college. parent all the way through college. parent all the way through college. Two of Tuesday's Children are Bridget Two of Tuesday's Children are Bridget Two of Tuesday's Children are Bridget Fisher and Brielle Saracini, best Fisher and Brielle Saracini, best Fisher and Brielle Saracini, best friends who never would have met had friends who never would have met had friends who never would have met had Brielle's dad not been a captain for Brielle's dad not been a captain for Brielle's dad not been a captain for United Airlines and Bridget's dad a United Airlines and Bridget's dad a United Airlines and Bridget's dad a security specialist at the World Trade security specialist at the World Trade security specialist at the World Trade Center. Center. Center. >> I was in school >> I was in school >> I was in school um at lunch, and I got pulled in to the um at lunch, and I got pulled in to the um at lunch, and I got pulled in to the guidance the guidance counselor's guidance the guidance counselor's guidance the guidance counselor's office, and immediately he reached for office, and immediately he reached for office, and immediately he reached for the tissue box and and handed it to me.

the tissue box and and handed it to me. the tissue box and and handed it to me. And I remember thinking, "Why are you And I remember thinking, "Why are you And I remember thinking, "Why are you giving this to me? giving this to me? giving this to me? My dad's fine. My dad's fine. My dad's fine. I don't I don't understand. My my dad I don't I don't understand. My my dad I don't I don't understand. My my dad my dad will be fine." my dad will be fine." my dad will be fine." >> Bridget's dad, John Fisher, had left the >> Bridget's dad, John Fisher, had left the >> Bridget's dad, John Fisher, had left the World Trade Center before the attack, World Trade Center before the attack, World Trade Center before the attack, but ran back when he heard the but ran back when he heard the but ran back when he heard the explosion. Fisher helped direct the explosion. Fisher helped direct the explosion. Fisher helped direct the evacuation from the command center. evacuation from the command center. evacuation from the command center. As he went in, pilot Victor Saracini's As he went in, pilot Victor Saracini's As he went in, pilot Victor Saracini's hijacked 767 was zeroing in on the hijacked 767 was zeroing in on the hijacked 767 was zeroing in on the second tower. Saracini's daughter, second tower. Saracini's daughter, second tower. Saracini's daughter, Brielle, was 10 when her mother came to Brielle, was 10 when her mother came to Brielle, was 10 when her mother came to pick her up at school. pick her up at school. pick her up at school. >> She took me aside and she was like, >> She took me aside and she was like, >> She took me aside and she was like, "Dad's hurt." And I was like, "Oh, "Dad's hurt." And I was like, "Oh, "Dad's hurt." And I was like, "Oh, okay." Just thinking nothing of it. And okay." Just thinking nothing of it. And okay." Just thinking nothing of it. And she's like, "He's really hurt. I don't she's like, "He's really hurt. I don't she's like, "He's really hurt. I don't think um Um, we're ever going to see him think um Um, we're ever going to see him think um Um, we're ever going to see him again. again. again. >> Victor Saracini left behind two >> Victor Saracini left behind two >> Victor Saracini left behind two daughters. John Fisher was the father of daughters. John Fisher was the father of daughters. John Fisher was the father of seven, Bridget's brothers and sisters. seven, Bridget's brothers and sisters. seven, Bridget's brothers and sisters. >> After it happened, I >> After it happened, I >> After it happened, I stayed up with them and I comforted stayed up with them and I comforted stayed up with them and I comforted them. them. them. There were so many that my mom couldn't There were so many that my mom couldn't There were so many that my mom couldn't take care of us all.

take care of us all. take care of us all. So, So, So, I helped her with that. I helped her with that. I helped her with that. I was more of the I was more of the I was more of the strong one. I couldn't let my family see strong one. I couldn't let my family see strong one. I couldn't let my family see me cry. It was weird. I went to school me cry. It was weird. I went to school me cry. It was weird. I went to school the next day, um, and people were the next day, um, and people were the next day, um, and people were shocked to see me there and shocked to see me there and shocked to see me there and >> You went to school the next day? >> You went to school the next day? >> You went to school the next day? >> Yeah, I tried to be normal, but I always >> Yeah, I tried to be normal, but I always >> Yeah, I tried to be normal, but I always secretly hoped. Months after, I would secretly hoped. Months after, I would secretly hoped. Months after, I would still hope that maybe still hope that maybe still hope that maybe he just he just he just couldn't remember where he lived or he couldn't remember where he lived or he couldn't remember where he lived or he was just in the hospital just was just in the hospital just was just in the hospital just recovering, but recovering, but recovering, but I eventually, 5 years from now, realized I eventually, 5 years from now, realized I eventually, 5 years from now, realized that he's just not coming back. that he's just not coming back. that he's just not coming back. And that's difficult, but you just got And that's difficult, but you just got And that's difficult, but you just got to move on. >> How far has the 9/11 generation moved >> How far has the 9/11 generation moved on? To find out, we went with Tuesday's on? To find out, we went with Tuesday's on? To find out, we went with Tuesday's Children on a summer trip to Costa Rica. Children on a summer trip to Costa Rica. Children on a summer trip to Costa Rica. The kids told us they like to be The kids told us they like to be The kids told us they like to be together because they understand each together because they understand each together because they understand each other. There's no pity or awkward other. There's no pity or awkward other. There's no pity or awkward conversation because they're all coming conversation because they're all coming conversation because they're all coming from the same place. from the same place. from the same place. >> My name is Amy Gardner. I'm 14 years old >> My name is Amy Gardner. I'm 14 years old >> My name is Amy Gardner. I'm 14 years old and my dad's name was Thomas Gardner. He and my dad's name was Thomas Gardner. He and my dad's name was Thomas Gardner. He was a fireman.

was a fireman. was a fireman. >> I'm Kyle Fisher. My dad was John Fisher >> I'm Kyle Fisher. My dad was John Fisher >> I'm Kyle Fisher. My dad was John Fisher and he worked in the World Trade Center and he worked in the World Trade Center and he worked in the World Trade Center designing security systems. designing security systems. designing security systems. >> I'm Eric Abrahamson. Um, my dad was >> I'm Eric Abrahamson. Um, my dad was >> I'm Eric Abrahamson. Um, my dad was William Abrahamson and he worked for William Abrahamson and he worked for William Abrahamson and he worked for Marsh & McLennan. Marsh & McLennan. Marsh & McLennan. >> My name is Ryan Mackerrin. My dad worked >> My name is Ryan Mackerrin. My dad worked >> My name is Ryan Mackerrin. My dad worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and his name was for Cantor Fitzgerald and his name was for Cantor Fitzgerald and his name was John Mackerrin. John Mackerrin. John Mackerrin. >> I'm Tom Fergus. Uh, >> I'm Tom Fergus. Uh, >> I'm Tom Fergus. Uh, I'm 15. My dad was Edward Fergus. I'm 15. My dad was Edward Fergus. I'm 15. My dad was Edward Fergus. >> I'm Shannon Fergus. I'm 16. My dad was >> I'm Shannon Fergus. I'm 16. My dad was >> I'm Shannon Fergus. I'm 16. My dad was Ed Fergus and he worked for Cantor Ed Fergus and he worked for Cantor Ed Fergus and he worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald. >> I'm Rena Wong. I'm 15. My dad was >> I'm Rena Wong. I'm 15. My dad was >> I'm Rena Wong. I'm 15. My dad was Raymond Wong and he worked for Cantor Raymond Wong and he worked for Cantor Raymond Wong and he worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald. >> They volunteered to talk to us even >> They volunteered to talk to us even >> They volunteered to talk to us even though the questions would be hard to though the questions would be hard to though the questions would be hard to answer and frankly, hard to ask. answer and frankly, hard to ask. answer and frankly, hard to ask. We found that 9/11 is still present even We found that 9/11 is still present even We found that 9/11 is still present even in kids eager to move on. in kids eager to move on. in kids eager to move on. >> After 9/11, I used to hate everybody >> After 9/11, I used to hate everybody >> After 9/11, I used to hate everybody around me. around me. around me. And just I was so mad. And just I was so mad. And just I was so mad. >> Are you feeling like that's that's >> Are you feeling like that's that's >> Are you feeling like that's that's leaving you now? leaving you now? leaving you now? >> It's gone now. It's I used to hate just >> It's gone now. It's I used to hate just >> It's gone now. It's I used to hate just everyone how they looked at me. Just everyone how they looked at me. Just everyone how they looked at me. Just everything. everything. everything. >> I always thought my dad would be there >> I always thought my dad would be there >> I always thought my dad would be there for me like forever, but for me like forever, but for me like forever, but it's kind of like it's kind of like it's kind of like you know.

>> Tell me how you're better. Tell me how >> Tell me how you're better. Tell me how you're different now today. you're different now today. you're different now today. >> It's just that you know, people who like >> It's just that you know, people who like >> It's just that you know, people who like did this don't know that like you can't did this don't know that like you can't did this don't know that like you can't destroy love no matter what you do. destroy love no matter what you do. destroy love no matter what you do. >> You can't destroy love? >> You can't destroy love? >> You can't destroy love? >> Yeah, and >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> I understand and that's enough. >> I understand and that's enough. >> I understand and that's enough. >> Losing a parent in 9/11 is unlike >> Losing a parent in 9/11 is unlike >> Losing a parent in 9/11 is unlike anything else. There were no goodbyes. anything else. There were no goodbyes. anything else. There were no goodbyes. The murder was so public and the The murder was so public and the The murder was so public and the reminders never end. >> [bell] >> [bell] >> There's a feeling of helplessness still >> There's a feeling of helplessness still >> There's a feeling of helplessness still and that's what Costa Rica was all and that's what Costa Rica was all and that's what Costa Rica was all about. Tuesday's Children brought them about. Tuesday's Children brought them about. Tuesday's Children brought them here to lend a hand easing poverty. The here to lend a hand easing poverty. The here to lend a hand easing poverty. The village school sorely needed repairs and village school sorely needed repairs and village school sorely needed repairs and paint and the Garcia family which only paint and the Garcia family which only paint and the Garcia family which only had an outhouse would get a bathroom had an outhouse would get a bathroom had an outhouse would get a bathroom built by the end of the week. built by the end of the week. built by the end of the week. >> They need to to start giving back to >> They need to to start giving back to >> They need to to start giving back to help ease their pain. help ease their pain. help ease their pain. They're trying to turn the pain into They're trying to turn the pain into They're trying to turn the pain into something more positive. something more positive. something more positive. >> Kathy Murphy is with Tuesday's Children. >> Kathy Murphy is with Tuesday's Children. >> Kathy Murphy is with Tuesday's Children. She organized this their first trip She organized this their first trip She organized this their first trip centered on helping others.

centered on helping others. centered on helping others. >> So giving back is a tool that will that >> So giving back is a tool that will that >> So giving back is a tool that will that will do that and it will build will do that and it will build will do that and it will build resilience resilience resilience in the children. in the children. in the children. >> The youngest child in Tuesday's Children >> The youngest child in Tuesday's Children >> The youngest child in Tuesday's Children is four and a half. is four and a half. is four and a half. Which really begs the question how long Which really begs the question how long Which really begs the question how long do you go on? do you go on? do you go on? >> Well, we certainly go on to see that >> Well, we certainly go on to see that >> Well, we certainly go on to see that four and a half year old completely four and a half year old completely four and a half year old completely through through through college for sure and then into you know, college for sure and then into you know, college for sure and then into you know, the job market. the job market. the job market. >> You're talking about another 18 or 20 >> You're talking about another 18 or 20 >> You're talking about another 18 or 20 years. years. years. >> That's right. We are. We are. >> That's right. We are. We are. >> That's right. We are. We are. >> The idea of summer camps for 9/11 kids >> The idea of summer camps for 9/11 kids >> The idea of summer camps for 9/11 kids started right away IN 2002. >> [cheering and screaming] >> [cheering and screaming] >> WE LOOKED IN ON ONE called America's >> WE LOOKED IN ON ONE called America's >> WE LOOKED IN ON ONE called America's Camp last month in Massachusetts. Camp last month in Massachusetts. Camp last month in Massachusetts. Take a look at this room. Take a look at this room. Take a look at this room. 9/11 kids, 250 9/11 kids, 250 9/11 kids, 250 of them. of them. of them. Jennifer Angelini is 12 years old. Her Jennifer Angelini is 12 years old. Her Jennifer Angelini is 12 years old. Her sister Jacqueline is 10. sister Jacqueline is 10. sister Jacqueline is 10. They found comfort in the company of They found comfort in the company of They found comfort in the company of kids.

kids. kids. >> cuz everybody knows how everybody else >> cuz everybody knows how everybody else >> cuz everybody knows how everybody else feels. Like they know what they're going feels. Like they know what they're going feels. Like they know what they're going through. So like um like oh, if you can through. So like um like oh, if you can through. So like um like oh, if you can do that, I can do that, too. do that, I can do that, too. do that, I can do that, too. Like they're not afraid to be Like they're not afraid to be Like they're not afraid to be embarrassed. embarrassed. embarrassed. >> And they can talk to you though like >> And they can talk to you though like >> And they can talk to you though like about how you feel cuz they can say like about how you feel cuz they can say like about how you feel cuz they can say like I feel the same way or something. I feel the same way or something. I feel the same way or something. >> On 9/11, the Angelini kids lost their >> On 9/11, the Angelini kids lost their >> On 9/11, the Angelini kids lost their father and their grandfather. Both New father and their grandfather. Both New father and their grandfather. Both New York City firefighters. They were Joseph York City firefighters. They were Joseph York City firefighters. They were Joseph Senior, Joseph Junior, and this Senior, Joseph Junior, and this Senior, Joseph Junior, and this is Joseph Angelini III who was three on is Joseph Angelini III who was three on is Joseph Angelini III who was three on 9/11. 9/11. 9/11. >> I forgot who said it, but they said that >> I forgot who said it, but they said that >> I forgot who said it, but they said that my grandpa went in after my dad. my grandpa went in after my dad. my grandpa went in after my dad. >> Yeah, cuz he knew that my that he knew >> Yeah, cuz he knew that my that he knew >> Yeah, cuz he knew that my that he knew that my dad would go in there. that my dad would go in there. that my dad would go in there. And even if my dad was home, he would And even if my dad was home, he would And even if my dad was home, he would have went because they called all have went because they called all have went because they called all firefighters all over the world. And if you were on the other side of the And if you were on the other side of the world, you would have came in. world, you would have came in. world, you would have came in. You would have had to. You would have had to. You would have had to. >> In these first five years, the 9/11 >> In these first five years, the 9/11 >> In these first five years, the 9/11 generation has been growing up. Some, generation has been growing up. Some, generation has been growing up. Some, like Joseph, are in grade school with like Joseph, are in grade school with like Joseph, are in grade school with very few memories of that day.

very few memories of that day. very few memories of that day. Others are in college now. Others are in college now. Others are in college now. This is Zack Zion when we first met him This is Zack Zion when we first met him This is Zack Zion when we first met him in 2001, weeks after the attacks. He was in 2001, weeks after the attacks. He was in 2001, weeks after the attacks. He was 18 when he told us about his dad, Chuck, 18 when he told us about his dad, Chuck, 18 when he told us about his dad, Chuck, who was a senior vice president of the who was a senior vice president of the who was a senior vice president of the financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald on the financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald on the financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center. 104th floor of the World Trade Center. 104th floor of the World Trade Center. >> When I saw the building actually >> When I saw the building actually >> When I saw the building actually collapse, collapse, collapse, I I I I knew that um I knew that um I knew that um that it was really unlikely. that it was really unlikely. that it was really unlikely. >> Zack was in high school when we spoke to >> Zack was in high school when we spoke to >> Zack was in high school when we spoke to him the first time in 2001, and this is him the first time in 2001, and this is him the first time in 2001, and this is Zack today. After 5 years, he's Zack today. After 5 years, he's Zack today. After 5 years, he's finishing college. finishing college. finishing college. >> Does September 11th, 2001 feel like it >> Does September 11th, 2001 feel like it >> Does September 11th, 2001 feel like it was yesterday or does it feel like it was yesterday or does it feel like it was yesterday or does it feel like it was a long time ago? was a long time ago? was a long time ago? >> It feels like it was very recent. You >> It feels like it was very recent. You >> It feels like it was very recent. You know, it know, it know, it it's very there in your past, but it's very there in your past, but it's very there in your past, but at the same time, you have so many at the same time, you have so many at the same time, you have so many opportunities to see it all over again. opportunities to see it all over again. opportunities to see it all over again. Every time you pick up a paper, turn on Every time you pick up a paper, turn on Every time you pick up a paper, turn on the TV, there's always reminders there. the TV, there's always reminders there. the TV, there's always reminders there. >> Reminders come in the most unexpected >> Reminders come in the most unexpected >> Reminders come in the most unexpected ways, like this receipt from his ways, like this receipt from his ways, like this receipt from his father's desk that was found burned and father's desk that was found burned and father's desk that was found burned and blowing down a street in Brooklyn. An blowing down a street in Brooklyn. An blowing down a street in Brooklyn. An artist found it and framed it.

artist found it and framed it. artist found it and framed it. >> He was such a great teacher, and he was >> He was such a great teacher, and he was >> He was such a great teacher, and he was taken away from me right when he was taken away from me right when he was taken away from me right when he was about to start teaching. And I've come about to start teaching. And I've come about to start teaching. And I've come to realize that since our last to realize that since our last to realize that since our last interview. interview. interview. You know, over the 5 years, I've really You know, over the 5 years, I've really You know, over the 5 years, I've really seen, you know, seen, you know, seen, you know, that from his perspective, he was that from his perspective, he was that from his perspective, he was probably just on the verge of being able probably just on the verge of being able probably just on the verge of being able to really to really to really teach me. teach me. teach me. >> A mentor in Zack's chosen profession, >> A mentor in Zack's chosen profession, >> A mentor in Zack's chosen profession, his father's profession, finance. his father's profession, finance. his father's profession, finance. In fact, we were surprised at how many In fact, we were surprised at how many In fact, we were surprised at how many 9/11 kids want to follow their dad, like 9/11 kids want to follow their dad, like 9/11 kids want to follow their dad, like Captain Victor Saracini's daughter, Captain Victor Saracini's daughter, Captain Victor Saracini's daughter, Brielle. Brielle. Brielle. >> You're taking flying lessons now. >> You're taking flying lessons now. >> You're taking flying lessons now. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Why? >> Why? >> Why? >> Um >> Um >> Um I think when I'm up in the air flying I think when I'm up in the air flying I think when I'm up in the air flying around, around, around, it'll give me a sense that I could be it'll give me a sense that I could be it'll give me a sense that I could be connected to my dad, and I know that one connected to my dad, and I know that one connected to my dad, and I know that one day he was my age sitting in a plane day he was my age sitting in a plane day he was my age sitting in a plane flying around. flying around. flying around. >> What is it like for you in the cockpit >> What is it like for you in the cockpit >> What is it like for you in the cockpit of the airplane? of the airplane? of the airplane? >> I don't know. It's a mixture of >> I don't know. It's a mixture of >> I don't know. It's a mixture of emotions. I feel really happy just emotions. I feel really happy just emotions. I feel really happy just knowing that like my dad used to do this knowing that like my dad used to do this knowing that like my dad used to do this stuff, and used to this was his stuff, and used to this was his stuff, and used to this was his profession. profession. profession. >> They're holding on in every way they >> They're holding on in every way they >> They're holding on in every way they can, because once they lost their dads can, because once they lost their dads can, because once they lost their dads to terror, now they're losing them to to terror, now they're losing them to to terror, now they're losing them to time.

time. time. >> Sometimes I remember from um >> Sometimes I remember from um >> Sometimes I remember from um when my brother put on his cologne, I when my brother put on his cologne, I when my brother put on his cologne, I remember his smell, but I don't really remember his smell, but I don't really remember his smell, but I don't really remember him. remember him. remember him. I don't I don't remember what he >> When you lose someone, >> When you lose someone, those memories tend to fade when you those memories tend to fade when you those memories tend to fade when you don't see them all the time. >> Yeah, I I don't really remember him that >> Yeah, I I don't really remember him that much. much. much. It's sad. It's sad. It's sad. >> After 5 years, some of my memories are >> After 5 years, some of my memories are >> After 5 years, some of my memories are fading away and fading away and fading away and in a way it kind of scares me because I in a way it kind of scares me because I in a way it kind of scares me because I don't want them to be gone, of course. don't want them to be gone, of course. don't want them to be gone, of course. >> Do you remember his voice? >> Do you remember his voice? >> Do you remember his voice? >> Um >> Um >> Um I remember his voice because my mom I remember his voice because my mom I remember his voice because my mom keeps it on his voicemail. keeps it on his voicemail. keeps it on his voicemail. >> Do you remember what it is? >> Do you remember what it is? >> Do you remember what it is? >> Yes. Um he gets on the phone and he >> Yes. Um he gets on the phone and he >> Yes. Um he gets on the phone and he says, "Hi, this is Victor. I'll get back says, "Hi, this is Victor. I'll get back says, "Hi, this is Victor. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Please leave a to you as soon as I can. Please leave a to you as soon as I can. Please leave a message. Thank you." And then he he message. Thank you." And then he he message. Thank you." And then he he hangs up. Sometimes it bothers me hangs up. Sometimes it bothers me hangs up. Sometimes it bothers me because I know he won't get back to me because I know he won't get back to me because I know he won't get back to me sometimes, but sometimes, but sometimes, but I don't know.

I don't know. I don't know. It's the best we can do. It's the best we can do. It's the best we can do. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> The kids also told us that some of the >> The kids also told us that some of the >> The kids also told us that some of the worst memories don't fade because the worst memories don't fade because the worst memories don't fade because the media won't let them. We got an earful media won't let them. We got an earful media won't let them. We got an earful about showing those pictures of 9/11 about showing those pictures of 9/11 about showing those pictures of 9/11 over and over again. over and over again. over and over again. >> Even when you're just sitting down like >> Even when you're just sitting down like >> Even when you're just sitting down like eating dinner or watching TV, it's like eating dinner or watching TV, it's like eating dinner or watching TV, it's like you just have like a nice conversation you just have like a nice conversation you just have like a nice conversation and then all of a sudden you'll see like and then all of a sudden you'll see like and then all of a sudden you'll see like pictures of 9/11. You can't escape it. pictures of 9/11. You can't escape it. pictures of 9/11. You can't escape it. It's just like everywhere you go. It's It's just like everywhere you go. It's It's just like everywhere you go. It's always always always like you're always reminded of it like you're always reminded of it like you're always reminded of it somehow even in the littlest thing. somehow even in the littlest thing. somehow even in the littlest thing. >> They're showing my dad's death and >> They're showing my dad's death and >> They're showing my dad's death and everyone else here. It's just really everyone else here. It's just really everyone else here. It's just really offensive. offensive. offensive. Every time I see it, it brings up so Every time I see it, it brings up so Every time I see it, it brings up so much and it actually really hurts. much and it actually really hurts. much and it actually really hurts. >> Eric, who lost his dad, William, may >> Eric, who lost his dad, William, may >> Eric, who lost his dad, William, may have had a harder time than many. You have had a harder time than many. You have had a harder time than many. You can almost see it in in eyes. can almost see it in in eyes. can almost see it in in eyes. He told us that hatred he felt for He told us that hatred he felt for He told us that hatred he felt for everyone has faded and just now he's everyone has faded and just now he's everyone has faded and just now he's putting some distance between himself putting some distance between himself putting some distance between himself and 9/11. and 9/11. and 9/11. >> These past 2 years maybe with this year >> These past 2 years maybe with this year >> These past 2 years maybe with this year I've started to really I've started to really I've started to really come to grip of what went on come to grip of what went on come to grip of what went on and and and how I was affected by it and how much how I was affected by it and how much how I was affected by it and how much I've I've I've changed from it actually.

changed from it actually. changed from it actually. >> 9/11 will always be about the sky. After >> 9/11 will always be about the sky. After >> 9/11 will always be about the sky. After an airplane killed his dad, Eric was an airplane killed his dad, Eric was an airplane killed his dad, Eric was afraid. Afraid of planes, afraid of afraid. Afraid of planes, afraid of afraid. Afraid of planes, afraid of flying, afraid of remembering. flying, afraid of remembering. flying, afraid of remembering. >> When you start you're all buckled in, >> When you start you're all buckled in, >> When you start you're all buckled in, you're checking everything. you're checking everything. you're checking everything. >> Today in the same skies of New York, >> Today in the same skies of New York, >> Today in the same skies of New York, Eric puts 9/11 behind him by soaring Eric puts 9/11 behind him by soaring Eric puts 9/11 behind him by soaring straight into it. straight into it. straight into it. >> I'm starting to actually do the takeoff >> I'm starting to actually do the takeoff >> I'm starting to actually do the takeoff now so it's so it's I'm kind of now so it's so it's I'm kind of now so it's so it's I'm kind of concentrating on not screwing up now. concentrating on not screwing up now. concentrating on not screwing up now. >> We got to get off. >> We got to get off. >> We got to get off. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> Here we go. >> Once you're at a certain >> Once you're at a certain um altitude they let you go and then you um altitude they let you go and then you um altitude they let you go and then you just start soaring. It's really great. just start soaring. It's really great. just start soaring. It's really great. If you look out the window you see If you look out the window you see If you look out the window you see everybody flying by you but you're the everybody flying by you but you're the everybody flying by you but you're the one that's flying. one that's flying. one that's flying. Um Um Um and then you just kind of and then you just kind of and then you just kind of go right up go right up go right up and by then you're just kind of climbing and by then you're just kind of climbing and by then you're just kind of climbing and climbing. and climbing. and climbing. So it's really great feel. So it's really great feel. So it's really great feel. >> The passage of 5 years has been a >> The passage of 5 years has been a >> The passage of 5 years has been a transforming time. The 9/11 generation transforming time. The 9/11 generation transforming time. The 9/11 generation is raising the courage to face what was is raising the courage to face what was is raising the courage to face what was painful.

painful. painful. And in searching for meaning And in searching for meaning And in searching for meaning they found answers in themselves. they found answers in themselves. they found answers in themselves. >> I don't think I would be the same person >> I don't think I would be the same person >> I don't think I would be the same person if 9/11 didn't happen to me. if 9/11 didn't happen to me. if 9/11 didn't happen to me. I wouldn't wish it. I would change it if I wouldn't wish it. I would change it if I wouldn't wish it. I would change it if I had the chance of course but I think I had the chance of course but I think I had the chance of course but I think it's made me realize that I need to be it's made me realize that I need to be it's made me realize that I need to be nicer to people and maybe if I can help nicer to people and maybe if I can help nicer to people and maybe if I can help give back it'll spread give back it'll spread give back it'll spread and people won't do things like and people won't do things like and people won't do things like hijack airplanes and take the lives of hijack airplanes and take the lives of hijack airplanes and take the lives of other people. other people. other people. >> After 9/11 happened >> After 9/11 happened >> After 9/11 happened I was laying with my sister. I remember I was laying with my sister. I remember I was laying with my sister. I remember telling her, "I'm so sad. telling her, "I'm so sad. telling her, "I'm so sad. How How How am I going to make myself How How How am I going to make myself How How How am I going to make myself happy?" And I figured it out. It's by happy?" And I figured it out. It's by happy?" And I figured it out. It's by making other people happy. Other people making other people happy. Other people making other people happy. Other people around you. It's by doing good deeds for around you. It's by doing good deeds for around you. It's by doing good deeds for other people. That's how That That's other people. That's how That That's other people. That's how That That's what makes me happy. what makes me happy. what makes me happy. >> You know, some people never figure out >> You know, some people never figure out >> You know, some people never figure out that secret of life. that secret of life. that secret of life. >> I'm lucky. I'm lucky in so many ways.