We Remember: 911 25 years on.
Twenty-five years ago, I was in California when all flights were grounded. I managed to get to New York and document the aftermath of 9/11.
I went with the intention of capturing ground zero but quickly pivoted to photographing the spirit of unity, in a city that you are normally “on your own”.
Every day for a week, I walked the streets around Ground Zero, photographing and speaking with emergency workers, protesters and mourners.
I was compelled to photograph the wreckage of the twin towers, along with the surrounding buildings which had either been destroyed, damaged, or filled with dust. I also captured the people of New York who came out to help, attended vigils and let the rest of the world know how they felt in organised protests. Emotions were strong and I witnessed love, compassion, anger, hate, and opportunity on every corner. Questionable 9/11 memorabilia of the planes striking the towers on t-shirts and photographs was being. I spoke with and photographed an Afghan restaurant owner who was closing his business after extensive vandalism and abuse.
Where have the last twenty-five years gone and what has been achieved? Today we remember those who lost their lives in 2001, when we vowed to “never forget”. We need to all recognise that the only way forward is to live with the same spirit of humanity that was experienced in the aftermath.
