[Craig_Maiorana]

I was supposed to be working in the towers on the 22nd for obvious reasons that never happened. I worked for a small business that set up cubicles and floor plans for the NYSE. We were in the city by the 13th for the next 6 months we were at 20 Broad st. which is a stones throw from ground zero. We used to go up to the 18th floor to have a smoke because it was the only floor with a balcony and it was easier than going to the ground and having to go through security. We found all kinds of burned book pages and other remnants that drifted down from the towers.

There was this indescribable smell like burning death that hung over the financial district. I still remember it and when i wen to the museum it came right back to me, my father told me he smelled it as well so it has to be burned into the concrete in the main open area in the museum. I relive it over and over and over. I look at that as my growing up years. Every night after work we would stop and grab a beer an just sit in the nearest marble plaza and look at the clean up and rescue efforts and none of us ever spoke... We just sat and watched in disbelief. Since then I have moved to california and created a life for myself but i have gone back to city several times and each time i learn, see, feel a bit more. We met an older black gentleman on one of our trips back. He was a security guard for one of the buildings across the street and he told my wife and I about how they were using that building for a staging ground for personal items and bodies and parts. It was unreal to hear his account of the day.

On my way to work this morning I drove past the fire academy that is across the street from Classic ind. and it was right at 8:46 ... all of the firemen and recruits were outside for the moment of silence and salute and it crushed me. Drove me right to tears ... I will probably have a hard time with this day for the rest of my life ... Just proof that i am unable to ever forget. I swear I WILL NEVER FORGET ... Be safe everyone