The voices of Sept. 11: 'My first thought was ... I can't believe that I survived'

NPR | By Terry Gross

Published September 11, 2026 at 9:37 AM EDT

We listen back to interviews recorded in the aftermath of Sept. 11, with a particular focus on stories of survival and loss at the World Trade Center, and some reflections in poetry and music.

NPR News

Terry Gross

Terry Gross is the host and executive producer of NPR's Fresh Air.

See stories by Terry Gross

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Is Patagonia the new data center hub? + Harley-Davidson's role in the trade war

Cooper Katz McKim

Why Patagonia might become a new data center hub
NPR News

Remembering 9/11. And, Vance, Trump urge voters to back Republicans in the midterms

Brittney Melton

NPR reflects on the events of 9/11 and the toll it left on the U.S. 25 years later. And, President Trump and Vice President Vance's convention speeches urge voters to back the GOP in the midterms.
NPR News

24 new movies worth checking out this fall

Aisha Harris, Linda Holmes, Bob Mondello, Glen Weldon

A Social Network follow-up, the real-life origin story of the movie Rocky, and more movies our critics are looking forward to this fall.
25 years later, Americans pause to remember the lives lost on 9/11

Brian Mann, Steve Inskeep

Twenty-five years ago, nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks. Today, Americans are honoring the lives lost and reflecting on the aftermath of that tragic day.
John Avlon, Rudy Giuliani's chief speechwriter during 9/11 attacks, recounts that day

Michel Martin

NPR's Michel Martin asks John Avlon, who was chief speechwriter to New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani at the time of the 9/11 attacks, for his memories of that day.