9-11 From The Inside Out with North Tower Security Specialist Erik Ronningen

Weather conditions on September 11, 2001

• Bright and sunny skies in New York City
• Pleasant temperature of 65 degrees in the morning
• Clear skies were rare for New York City
• Crystal clear skies were noted on September 11, 2001
• Azure blue sky was magnificent on that day

Eric Ronningen's experience in the World Trade Center

• Eric's office had windows overlooking New York Harbor
• He enjoyed watching tugboats, watercraft, and tourist boats going to Ellis Island
• Impact from Flight 11 on the 71st floor shook him
• Tower twisted, turned, and bent before settling
• Eric's descent through the stairs was exhausting

Encounter with First Responders

• Eric didn't encounter First Responders until the upper teen floors
• Firemen in bunker gear and oxygen tanks were perspiring
• Employees supported and encouraged the First Responders
• Debris of paper, cardboard, and furniture was floating down the stairs
• Eric couldn't reach the basement but helped injured people on the pavement

Divine intervention and harrowing escape

• A little voice told Eric to walk east, leading to his escape
• Divine intervention and Army training helped him survive
• Eric realized the full extent of the catastrophe when watching television
• The scope of the events became clear on TV
• Eric experienced PTSD symptoms like soldiers on the battlefield

Impact and aftermath of September 11, 2001

• Eric was determined not to let the circumstances control him
• It took him years to recover from the trauma
• Thousands of heroes were born on 9/11
• The tragedy brought the country together like never before
• America's darkest hour also produced its finest moments