Mike Dempsey was injured while escaping the South Tower on Sept. 11, 2001. He is now working with the nonprofit Activate Good to raise awareness and support charities
"There was just a lot of heroic stories (that day) that can teach a lot to our youth," he told Eyewitness News. "Those stories can never be forgotten."
On Thursday -- which marked 24 years since that tragic day -- at the Marsh Creek Community Center, a Triangle-wide service and remembrance event took place to honor those who perished. Activate Good has mobilized thousands of volunteers for over 15 years to ensure that day is not forgotten.
"We try to take a moment and let them understand why we're all coming together," said Rose Thompson, Executive Director of Activate Good. "It's important to relive that sense of unity we all felt."
For families like Debby Borza, who lost her daughter Deora Bodley on United Flight 93, the day is a way to keep their loved ones' spirits alive.
"I love seeing the young adults that are there," she said. "I have this opportunity to see Deora in them, and that's very important to me."
As time passes, the work of education and remembrance becomes even more critical, ensuring younger generations understand the heroism and unity of that fateful day.