We have heard many stories of 9/11 in the past. I met one of the first responders who was actually a part of that day that changed America forever.

Mike Penchina joined the fire department in 1969. He decided to give it a go without knowing he would eventually wind up becoming a firefighter. On Sept. 11, 2001, firefighter Penchina and his wife celebrated their wedding anniversary in Canada. Penchina was watching the news while his wife was in another room. A jet had recently struck the north tower.

He was asked to return and assist. Around 410,000 first responders aided, working continuously. When Penchina crossed the border, he stopped and tried to call his family to see how they were doing, but the calls would fail due to poor signals.

When firefighter Penchina reached New York, he was devastated by what he saw. He knew there were people’s family members bodies in the rubble he needed to find. What kept him going was finding the remains of his best friend who was one of the firefighters in the towers.

In January of 2004, an architect designed a memorial for all people that died. A new building was made which was called the, “Building of Freedom”. Many writers and poets have drafted many different books and poems about 9/11. The most known one is the firefighter’s prayer.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM