"He was able to say his goodbyes": Son of Brit killed in 9/11 visits London to mark anniversary
"I saw the TV replay of the Towers being hit, and I knew that my life, and the world, was forever changed"
A man whose British dad and aunt were killed in 9/11 is in London today to attend a major memorial event marking 20 years the terror attacks.
Jon Egan was in his first week of university two decades ago when the atrocity took place.
His dad, Michael, worked on the 105th floor of the World Trade Centre, and his sister Christine was visiting his office that day.
"I saw the TV replay of the Towers being hit, and I knew that my life, and the world, was forever changed," Jon tells us.
Michael, who was from Hull, had managed to call his wife before the building collapsed.
"We were very lucky he was able to make that call. He was able to say his goodbyes, tell my mother he loved her, and tell her to kiss the boys for him," he remembers.
Jon rushed to New York - he was his dad and aunt's closest DNA match and he was needed at Ground Zero in case any body parts could be identified.
Now, twenty years on, he is involved in charities like SINCE9/11, which advocate for children to be taught about the atrocity and extremism in the classroom.
"Our history tells our future, and I think education and acceptance of others is the only way we are going to take steps forward as a society," Jon says.
Events to mark the significant anniversary are taking place across the country today.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Today we mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and remember the thousands of innocent people who tragically lost their lives. We will never forget the terrible events of that fateful day.
“My thoughts are with all those who lost friends and family members, and those who suffered life-changing injuries because of the horrific acts of terrorism that September day, including the 67 Britons who were killed, many of whom were from London.
“I also want to pay tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services who ran towards danger to help people and save lives.
“In London, we stand united with our friends in America and remain determined to show the world that those who seek to destroy our way of life will never win. Our values of freedom, tolerance and mutual respect will always prevail over those who seek to divide us.”
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