Did you know that over 7,000 people RSVP’d for a “red bandana” event started by two University of Central Florida students on Facebook? 1,000s of fans sporting red bandanas showed up at the UCF vs. BC football game in Orlando. The UCF mascot was event re-designed for the occasion. Paige and Honor (Welles’ sisters) flew down and Welles was honored at halftime. We were there and we’ll be including some great clips from this game in the film.
Wearing The Red Bandana
This is the only known photograph of Welles wearing a red bandana. Of course, if you have another one, PLEASE let us know.
Crossing A Line Of Death
Did you know that only 18 people escaped the South Tower from at or above the impact location of Flight 175? No one escaped the North Tower at or above the impact location. Welles Crowther was responsible for saving, at least, 11 of these 18 individuals, many of which were severely injured.
Rare Recovery
Did you know that only 176 intact bodies were recovered at Ground Zero. Welles was one of these “fortunate” souls. His body was recovered on March 19, 2002, and his cremated remains are immured (placed in a wall) at Grace Episcopal Church in Nyack. Artist Beverly Bozarth Colgan’s water color painting of Welles’ final resting place is depicted here.
Presidential Honor
Did you know that the story of Welles’ heroics has reached all the way to the White House? President Obama met with the Crowthers a few years ago and even signed a red bandana for them. I absolutely love this particular photograph of the occasion.
Olympic Honor
At the 2006 Winter Olympics, in Turin, Tyler Jewell finished 11th in the parallel giant slalom event. While competing, Jewell wore a red bandana in honor of his Boston College lacrosse teammate, Welles Crowther.
Inextricably Linked
Welles pictured here with family friend Harry Wannamaker. Both died as a result of the 9/11 tragedy, Welles on 9/11 and Harry roughly 9 years later due to pulmonary illness contracted while engaging in rescue and recovery efforts on the pile.
Dream Fulfilled
Welles lived in this Greenwich Village building while working at Sandler O’Neil & Partners. When his parents went through his personal effects, they found a partially completed FDNY job application. Clearly, Welles spent his last hour, his finest hour, fulfilling his dream of becoming an FDNY fire fighter.