Roma Club New York members reflect on the anniversary of 9/11

On the 19th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the twin towers, Roma Club New York members Claudio Tamborra and Wayne Girard recall where they were when the planes hit and reflect on what the day means to them now…

Where were you on September 11, 2001 and what do you remember of the attacks on the twin towers?

Wayne Girard: "I was in 6th grade in Woodridge, New Jersey. The principal came on the intercom giving a brief description of what had happened. Then parents began to pick up their children from school, and we continued to watch the coverage of the attacks from home, until my mother told me to turn to another channel as I had clearly seen enough for the day."

Claudio Tamborra: “I clearly remember that I was at my best friend’s house in Italy while we watched and I remember the sense of strangeness. It was unbelievable to witness, and as a teenager, that moment had a very strong impact on our lives - probably comparable to the demolishing of the Berlin Wall. I also believe that being only 16 years old, it was hard to understand the full extent and gravity of that day.”

Can you describe your emotions as it began to sink in what had just happened?

Wayne: "I felt completely vulnerable. You had no idea what was going to happen next, especially as an 11-year-old."

Claudio: “I remember that the day after was my birthday and it was probably the strangest day ever. There was rightfully no need or want to celebrate. We were still in shock. Additionally, my parents worked for Alitalia, and my aunt and uncle worked for American Airlines, so we were very scared as well, for obvious reasons.”

UEFA insisted that games went ahead that night - with Roma playing Real Madrid at Stadio Olimpico. Were you surprised by the decision?

Wayne: "Looking back on it, it's a little strange that UEFA insisted on playing the match. Knowing what we know now, the match should have been postponed."

Claudio: “I have to be completely honest; I don’t even remember if I watched that game. I’m sure that if something of this nature happened again... that game would have never been played. Sometimes it is wiser to pause, and concentrate on the real meaning of life, similar to what happened during Covid-19.”

Living in New York now, what does this anniversary mean to people in the city?

Wayne: "This remains an incredibly dark moment. So many people who came into New York that day didn't come home. But it's important that their stories are told, and they are remembered. It's also important to remember that New York doesn't stop. We are ALWAYS moving forward."

Claudio: “It is very emotional. New York is a vibrant city, always so frenetic. But this is the time of the year where you look up at the sky and you see the two lights that brighten the darkness and you take time to pause and reflect. Never forget.

"It is right to remember, and we do this with Roma Club New York every single year. Although some of us are Italians, we feel like New Yorkers. Nineteen years on, we are receiving incredible love from people in Italy and all over the world. We want to thank you all, because this year is very difficult, but we will get back stronger than ever.”