‘ My contact Lenses melted to my eyes’
It’s been just over a week since the Navy SEAL Foundation Hudson Swim, and one story has stayed with me every single day.
I was asked to photograph the flag ceremony outside the 9/11 Memorial, standing in the shadows of what were once the Twin Towers—now Liberty Tower. That afternoon, the veteran community presented a folded flag to Ron DiFrancesco, the last known survivor to escape the towers. While I’ve always followed world events closely, I had never heard his name until that day.
Let me rewind. I arrived in Los Angeles on September 9th, 2001—my first step toward making the USA my home. I’d been to America many times before, but I had no idea how closely I would become connectted to the story of 9/11.
For the first time, I entered the 9/11 Museum, built in the very foundations of the towers. I noticed Ron being escorted into what is an incredibly well curated space dedicated to the lost lives from that tragic day.
The storyteller and photographer in me wanted to capture Ron as he walked through what was once his workplace. I even thought about photographing him beside FDNY’s Ladder 3 truck, now resting in the museum. But instead, I lowered my cameras. I chose to simply witness a man reliving something far greater than a photograph could hold or could ever understand during what was a deeply personal moment for him.
The next day at the closing ceremony after the run amd swim , Ron shared his story to all of those participating and attending the event—Ron shared how he escaped from the 84th floor of the South Tower, suffering burns over 60% of his body, his contact lenses melted to his eyes. He woke up three days later in hospital not knowing the full extent of what had happened that day. A title Ron would rather not have but its said he is the last known survivor to escape the towers.
When Ron and I finally spoke that evening we shared a very special connection. As we were exchanging stories amd emotions. Ron gripped my shoulders as if I’d been there that day. With that hold you know you’re being listened to.
Ron is an extraordinary man, and I’m proud to now call him a new friend. A reminder that life’s circumstances may shape us, but it’s the humanity we share that binds us.