Godwin Forde remembers the morning of September 11, 2001, as a day that began with ordinary plans, abruptly interrupted by devastating news. Forde, then a student in northwest London, was preparing to go out with friends when his foster mother asked him to stay home for a phone call from his sister. While seated, watching the unfolding events on television, Forde experienced a growing unease, knowing his father and sister were in New York.
His father, Godwin senior, had a background in security, including previous work with Fox News and the David Letterman show. He was a visible figure, sometimes seen in the background of television programs. Unbeknownst to his son at the time, Godwin senior had recently been promoted to head a security team on an upper floor of the South Tower at the World Trade Center.
Forde has spoken about his desire for his father to be remembered as the hero he was. The memorial plaque he is seen reading features the names of those lost in the attacks, a somber reminder of the lives irrevocably changed on that day.
His father's role in security at the World Trade Center placed him at the heart of the tragedy. The events of 9/11, which saw the collapse of the Twin Towers, claimed thousands of lives, including those of countless first responders and civilians working in the buildings.