Mark Englert, a business consultant in his thirties, lived just a couple of blocks from the World Trade Center in Manhattan on September 11, 2001. That morning, he had returned from a jog under a clear blue sky when disaster struck.
Englert heard an explosion but did not realize its cause. From his apartment window, he saw people on the streets below looking upward. A tower was on fire, and rumors spread of an airplane being involved.
Seventeen minutes later, a second plane flew near his building and crashed into the other tower. Englert remembers dropping to his floor, overwhelmed by disbelief. “This is crazy,” he shouted.
He soon found himself on the roof, witnessing unimaginable scenes. “I could start to see people jump,” he recounted, referring to those trapped by the flames.
Mark has been a close friend for decades. The first time I heard his detailed account was only hours after the attack. At the time, I was a young reporter dialing friends in Lower Manhattan. Mark was the first to answer.
A large American flag hangs between two fire trucks with One World Trade Center visible in the distance, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on September 11, 2026. Nearly 3,000 people died during the tragedy.
Over the last 25 years, Mark and I spent countless hours together. Recently, we enjoyed a weekend exploring the desert near Moab, discussing typical topics like family and retirement. We did not talk about 9/11; it felt unnecessary. But when an editor suggested this piece, I called Mark, expecting a brief update about how life had moved on. I was mistaken.
“I haven’t talked about this in such a long time,” Mark began, recounting the chaos and fear that engulfed his building. A terrifying rumble followed, and he watched in horror as daylight turned to darkness.
Across the hall was an elderly neighbor, a retired cookbook editor with her cat. He urged her to leave the building with him. Together, they wrapped wet towels around their faces and made their way to the Hudson River. Despite obstacles, including a tense moment with her changing shoes, they found safety. A cop’s urgent shout of “RUN!” alerted them to the second tower’s collapse.
Upon reaching New Jersey, Mark contacted his mother. Overcome with emotion, he struggled to speak. Even now, memories of that day render him silent.
Long-Lasting Trauma
Returning to his apartment took time. The literal dust took months to clear, but Mark moved back to Battery Park City, close to the 9/11 memorial. Despite this proximity, he has avoided engaging more deeply. He has not entered the museum or watched related documentaries.
“When people ask, I simply say I lived near there,” Mark explained. For him, forgetting is impossible. To this day, a low-flying jet’s roar compels him to seek cover. The event has had a lasting influence not only on Mark but also on the news industry—a change felt deeply by journalists covering the attacks.
Commemorating 9/11
Today, reflections on 9/11 have moved from lived experiences to historical lessons in schools. Entertainers and cultural critics offer perspectives through various media. Movies attempt to capture the event’s spirit, bridging memory and storytelling.
While Mark has found ways to live with his experiences, the memories of that day remain ever-present.