On 13 September 2021, our Maidstone Campus Travel & Tourism students listened to 9/11 survivor Charlie Gray share his experience from the fateful day while he was working in New York.
Students heard of how a normal day for Charlie at work at ICAP on the 25 and 26th floors of the North Tower of the World Trade Centre dramatically changed when the planes hit the towers.
Charlie highlighted the dedication and commitment of the emergency services to evacuate, support and rescue the survivors. Many still suffer from long term health conditions as a result of the shock, dust and toxins from the buildings. Many students were shocked that the fires lasted for 99 days and rubble was still being cleared from the site in May 2002.
He recommends others to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at Ground Zero, and view the exhibition containing the unforgettable story of the attacks, their impact and the people involved. You can also see rescue service vehicles, an impromptu communication tower for the police and fire service as well as the original radio mast from the towers. Find out more about the museum here.
We’re very grateful that Charlie took the time to visit our students and share his experience with us. For students preparing for careers in the travel industry, the opportunity to hear from Charlie increased their understanding of changes to their industry, historical events and provided context to other news reports they have seen this week.
