On September 11, 2001, terrorists flew two planes into the World Trade Center. All eyes turned to New York City as the buildings burned and then fell. On that horrifying day, some people were saved by the heroic efforts of others whom we refer to as heroes. Welles Remy Crowther was one of those heroes.

During this episode, Welles’ parents, Alison and Jefferson Crowther, join us to honor Welles’ life and share his heroic story. Welles was a 24-year-old equities trader who worked on the 104th floor of the South Tower. The day the Trade Towers fell, Welles drew from his training as a volunteer firefighter to put his life on the line in order to save many civilians. Welles’ parents were able to identify his brave actions that day through the stories of “a civilian wearing a red bandanna who saved many lives on September 11, 2001.”

Resources

Supported by the Fetzer Institute in partnership with the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust, the Red Bandanna Project, social and emotional learning curricula for students of all ages, has been created. The lessons taught are Leadership, Caring for Others, TEAM, The Power of One, Bridging Divides, Forgiveness andCarpe Diem. Five separate curricula for elementary, middle and high school classrooms, sports teams and camps/youth programs have been pilot tested in 100 schools and youth programs across the country and received by teachers, students , coaches and parents with much enthusiasm.

The Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust was established in September 2001 by the Crowther Family to honor and keep their beloved son’s memory alive through good works benefiting young people. The mission of the Welles Remy Crowther Trust recognizes and awards academic and athletic excellence in young men and women who serve their communities through education, health, recreation and character development. The Trust supports other not-for-profit organizations that benefit young people through annual gifts and special awards.