Survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are expressing frustration and pain over what they describe as a public growing indifferent to the devastating events and their lasting consequences, with some facing what they consider disrespect. As the 25th anniversary of the attacks nears, many who suffered severe burn injuries feel their experiences are being minimized or forgotten.
Ken Summers, 76, who sustained third-degree burns in the World Trade Center attack, recounted instances where individuals have told survivors to "get over it" and expressed disinterest in hearing their stories. "People are 9/11’ed out – they’re done with it," Summers stated. He was in the North Tower lobby at 8:46 a.m. when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the building, engulfing him in a fireball. The incident left him with extensive burns on his hands, arms, face, and head, leading to numerous surgeries, PTSD, and the loss of previous hobbies like playing piano, golfing, and tennis.
Summers noted that some people dismiss his injuries, assuming he received significant financial compensation. "Yes, I’ve got a substantial sum of money, but I’ve also had a substantial amount of pain and recovery," he said, emphasizing that he would not have endured such suffering for money. He explained that his inability to feel things normally and his loss of dexterity prevent him from participating in activities he once loved.
Lauren Manning, a former Cantor Fitzgerald senior executive who suffered burns on over 82 percent of her body after being caught in a fireball in the North Tower lobby, shared similar sentiments. She observed that people tend to avoid difficult stories and that "time fades" the immediacy of the event. Despite years of surgeries and therapy, Manning focused on her survival as an act of defiance against the terrorists.
William Rodriguez, a custodian at the North Tower who assisted first responders, also reported feeling that survivors are treated with disrespect. He highlighted that many survivors hear suggestions to "move on, don’t dwell on it." Rodriguez debunked the notion that survivors received large sums of money, recounting his own struggles with PTSD and survivor's guilt, which led to periods of destitution.
Brian Branco, who suffers from lifelong PTSD after working on the 78th floor of the South Tower where colleagues died, noted that people become "bored" and lose interest in the aftermath of 9/11. He recalled insensitivity from family members shortly after the attacks and acknowledged the internal struggle of survivors who, like him, left colleagues behind and continue to grapple with self-blame.
The comments from survivors come as NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called for "moral clarity" ahead of the 25th anniversary, condemning those who downplay the attacks or frame them in a heroic light.