What if a key moment from September 11, 2001, had been hiding in plain sight all these years, its significance lost or deliberately obscured?
Just when we believed every story and every angle had been explored, a long-forgotten video emerges—one that challenges everything we thought we knew about that fateful day.
Captured from a boat near Manhattan, this newly discovered footage reveals the raw, unfiltered reactions of witnesses just as the second plane struck the South Tower.
It offers a deeply human perspective on the events that unfolded, forcing us to reevaluate what we thought we understood about September 11.
Nearly two decades after the attacks, this haunting video has surfaced, offering a fresh, unspoken perspective on the moment the second plane slammed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. The footage, filmed from a boat off the coast of Manhattan, was uploaded by Kevin Westley, who initially kept it private. Westley, reflecting on his own experiences, explained how the video was a forgotten artifact—until now.
Along with the footage, he shared his personal reflections on the trauma he endured, not only on 9/11 but also during his service in the Iraq War, where he escorted fallen soldiers and survived near-daily mortar attacks. “A piece of our soul was lost on that battlefield,” he wrote, capturing the deep emotional toll of witnessing such unspeakable events.
In addition to this poignant video, the article also honors the memory of firefighter Mike Kehoe, whose iconic image of climbing the North Tower’s stairs in defiance of orders to evacuate has become synonymous with bravery. While Kehoe survived, the loss of 343 firefighters who gave their lives that day continues to weigh heavily on him. Now, despite the ongoing health struggles from his time at Ground Zero, Kehoe remains dedicated to serving, simply saying, “I just love it.”
Westley’s video, along with his reflections, highlights the unsung stories and raw emotions that have often been overshadowed in the years since September 11. It’s a stark reminder of the personal and collective trauma that lingers long after the dust has settled, as well as the relentless courage of those who faced terror without hesitation.
This newly revealed footage, alongside the human stories intertwined with it, underscores that the wounds of 9/11 are not just historical—they are very much alive. It serves as a powerful reminder that the scars of that day still run deep for survivors, witnesses, and first responders. As we look back on the memories of September 11, let us not only remember the historical facts but also the human lives that were changed forever. These stories—of sacrifice, bravery, and resilience—demand to be heard, ensuring that we never forget the true cost of that day.