The book Red Bandana is a captivating story of a young man's bravery and sacrifice during the tragic events of 9/11. Written by Tom Rinaldi, this book tells the story of Welles Crowther, a 24-year-old equities trader who lost his life while saving others in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
The Story of Welles Crowther
Welles Crowther was a young man with a passion for helping others. He grew up in Nyack, New York, and went on to attend Boston College, where he played lacrosse and developed a reputation for his fearlessness and selflessness.
After college, Welles moved to New York City and began working as a trader for Sandler O'Neill and Partners in the World Trade Center. On September 11, 2001, when the first plane hit the North Tower, Welles put on his signature red bandana and sprang into action.
The Red Bandana
Welles Crowther always carried a red bandana with him, a gift from his father that represented the values of bravery, selflessness, and compassion. On the day of the attacks, Welles used his bandana to cover his face and help others escape the burning tower.
Throughout the chaos, Welles led several groups of people to safety before returning to the tower to help more. He ultimately lost his life while saving others, and his bravery and sacrifice have been celebrated around the world.
The Book Red Bandana
Tom Rinaldi's book Red Bandana tells the story of Welles Crowther's life and heroism, as well as the impact he had on the lives of those he saved. Rinaldi interviewed dozens of people who knew Welles and were saved by him, and he paints a vivid picture of a young man who embodied the values of courage and selflessness.
The book also explores the aftermath of the attacks and the ways in which Welles' story has inspired others to live their lives with purpose and meaning. It is a poignant and powerful tribute to a true American hero.
The Legacy of Welles Crowther
Welles Crowther's legacy lives on through the Red Bandana Project, an organization that promotes volunteerism and community service in his honor. The project encourages people to carry a red bandana with them and use it to inspire acts of kindness and bravery.
Welles' story also inspired the creation of a memorial in his honor at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The memorial features a bronze statue of Welles with his signature red bandana, and it serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice that defined that tragic day.
Conclusion
The book Red Bandana is a powerful tribute to a young man who embodied the best of humanity. It is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, there are people like Welles Crowther who are willing to risk everything to help others. His legacy serves as an inspiration to us all to live our lives with courage, compassion, and selflessness.