September 11 Attacks

Orange Vest to the Test

New York City, NY. 2001

Tricia Meadows/Globe Photos

Accessed through Family Comes First (11/20/21)

In the photograph, a first responder helps two survivors from the World Trade Center collapse on September 11, 2001. The three individuals are covered in ash and are wearing cloth face masks to protect themselves from inhaling smoke. Behind the people, are debris and ash. There are emergency vehicles and officers huddling in the hazy background. The overall photograph has a gray tint due to the smoke and ash. It is powerful that the first responder in the orange vest is forging past the smoke and leading the survivors out of the rubble. Her selfless action demonstrates that there is faith in humanity.