In Memory of Welles Remy Crowther

Crowther family,

I come from Odessa, Texas, where for the past eight or so years I have remembered Welles Crowther by carrying a bandana that you sent to my youth group around a year after the terrorist attacks on the United States. I also had the privilege of going to New York City with my high school choir in summer 2007, and I remember, Mrs. Crowther, you talking to my classmates about what happened on that day, and there not being a dry eye in the group. I think about his sacrifice every day, and because of your son, I am joining the fire department in order to be one of those first responders willing to put my life on the line for complete strangers, just like your son did. God bless the Crowther family. My thoughts and prayers are with you every step of the way.

*** Posted by Travis Austin on 2010-03-19 ***

Dear Crowther family,

My name is Chris Ougheltree. I'm a social studies teacher from Cranston High School East in Cranston, RI. I recently received an award from the Tribute WTC Visitor's Center, and our school received a generous grant from you. On behalf of my school and our principal, Mr. Sean Kelly, I would like to thank you very much. I teach about the events of September 11, 2001 to my sociology and law students every year. We discuss the causes and consequences of terrorism as well. One important aspect of the unit is to try to elicit from the students their feelings: feelings of empathy for the victims and their families, but more importantly a sense of the courage and selflessness of the first-responders and volunteers. One way I attempt to do this is to put a face with the stories of heroism. One of the goals of the Tribute Center is to create a person-to-person effect. Your son's story does that and more. After receiving the award, I was brought over to Wells' picture (and bandana!) and was told his story. I thank Wells and you very much for being part of my person-to-person connection at the Tribute Center. Your work and that of the Tribute Center shows the positive side of our American culture. When faced with hardships and disappointments, we work hard to overcome those negative feelings and to find the positives. Your efforts to help others in your son's memory is an example of this. I would like to help your cause if I can. I would like Wells' story to be part of my unit, and if my students can organize something to help your cause, I would be honored to do so.

Sincerely with peace,
Chris Ougheltree

*** Posted by Chris Ougheltree on 2010-03-10 ***

I am from Lithuania. I want you to know that Welles Remy Crowther's courage and compassion to others has touched people all over the world. May he rest in peace.

*** Posted by Gintare on 2010-01-05 ***

I'm from Scotland. The 9/11 attack has affected everyone all over the world, and having seen a documentary of it, I think this guy's a hero. To think he saved all the people involved actually touched me. Rest in peace. xxx

*** Posted by Sarah on 2009-11-16 ***

Everyone time I read about this man I can't help but cry. I am British and so wasn't personally affected by 9/11, but I was affected, and this man was a true hero. I wish I could have had the honour of knowing him! I can't imagine how it must feel to lose someone, but without his heroic actions many more might have been lost. I'm 15 and studying 9/11 for my English project, and I'm focusing a great deal on Welles. I can't express how much his story has touched me and inspired me to be the best person I can be!

*** Posted by Jessica on 2009-06-16 ***

Mr. and Mrs. Crowther,

I just want you to know that I have kept a picture and biography of Welles since that awful day in September. He touched my family in so many ways, and I suppose that I identified with him and you since I have sons his age, and one actually lived in Greenwich Village then and took the path train under the Trade Center every day. He is now in Iraq along with another of my sons. My youngest was a medic in Iraq until six months ago.

Your son is a hero, and I pray for him and for you constantly. Your loss is the greatest that any parent can suffer, but the pride you feel must be immeasurable.

*** Posted by Donna Evans on 2009-05-24 ***

I am a drama teacher in England and just wanted you to know that my GCSE drama class were so moved by Welles's story that they have decided to perform a tribute to his life and his courage for their practical exam next week. Welles was a true hero and an inspiration to people all over the world. May he rest in peace. Sweet dreams, Welles! xxx

*** Posted by Justine Marnell on 2009-04-28 ***

Having heard your story, Welles, I think you would have been a great person to know. I hope your memory lives on forever. You are a real inspiration to me and to many other people around the world. Love and best wishes to your family. God bless you, Welles. x

*** Posted by Steven Lewis (United Kingdom) on 2009-01-20 ***

Well, Mrs. Crowther came to my school last year and spoke about Welles. My whole class was in shock. As juniors living in NYC, we all remembered that day, but not many of us were personally affected by losing a family member or a loved one, but now we have a loved one to talk about. Mrs. Croether, thank you so much for coming to talk to us and for my red bandana. I tied it around my Teddy bear, "Wah-wah," and now I have a piece of Welles with me also as you do. Do know that you are a beautiful person and that you touched my life dramatically. Thank you for this experience.

*** Posted by Monet on 2008-11-07 ***

It was a sad day for all, but thanks to his kind soul, and good upbringing from his parents, he helped save many, many friends and relatives of mine and those of a lot of other people. May god forgive any sins you may have caused and give you his blessing. R.I.P.

*** Posted by Anonymous on 2008-11-05 ***

This man is a true American hero. I was researching topics for a tribute speech that I had to give for my speech class, and I came across Welles' story and it touched my life. From then on I knew I would dedicate my speech to him. But above all, this story shows that there are good people in the world and--who knows?--maybe it's true that there really are angels. God bless Welles and the many others just like him.

*** Posted by Zach on 2008-10-07 ***

I heard about Welles in school. He was an amazing person who gave his life for others! He will never be forgotten. God bless.

*** Posted by rebecca morgan on 2008-09-24 ***

You are a legend; god bless.

*** Posted by Dougie, Scotland on 2008-09-14 ***

Words cannot describe the enormity of what happened on September 11. But what is clearly apparent is the heroism that Welles demonstrated. An amazing man who will never be forgotten.

*** Posted by P Wye (England) on 2008-09-14 ***

I was not there; I did not know Welles; I am from England. Hearing about this man has touched my life: I am training to be a nurse, and he gives me inspiration that I can do it. I would like to thank him for doing what he did, not thinking about himself, but others. I look up to this man for not forgetting what his dreams are. Thank you. x

*** Posted by rebecca young on 2008-09-12 ***

A TRUE hero. What more can be said?

*** Posted by Frisby on 2008-09-12 ***

What an amazing story. A real hero.

*** Posted by Elle Ruschioni on 2008-09-12 ***

I learned about the heroism of Welles Remy Crowther through a British Channel 4 documentary on a 9/11 hoaxer. His family must be immensely proud of the heroism of this young man. As his father stated there is no greater gift than laying down ones life for others. His sacrifice is deserving of sainthood.

*** Posted by Brian Havern, Ireland on 2008-09-12 ***

I heard of Welles on a tv programme last night about the fraud, Ms Head. What a wonderful young man; his family must be so proud of him. How unfair that he should have such a short life while others remain as a parasite to mankind.

*** Posted by Pat, UK on 2008-09-12 ***

I've just watched a TV programme here in the UK called 9/11 Faker about Tania Head but was so moved hearing about Welles - Red Bandanna Man and how he saved so many people in that Tower. A true hero. God bless!

*** Posted by Jo on 2008-09-12 ***

I saw Welles and his family on a programme in England last night. How wonderful to have raised a young man like him. How he must be missed by all his family and friends.
Truly one of the 'good guys'.
Happy thoughts to all who knew him.
Cathy

*** Posted by Cathy Bishop on 2008-09-12 ***

You're a true inspiration, Welles - gone, but will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, brother.

*** Posted by Will C on 2008-09-11 ***

I heard Welles' story and was instantly touched. What a brave young man. Such sadness for his loved ones but such comfort and pride to know how he helped and saved others that day. He truly earned his place in heaven.

*** Posted by Rachel, United Kingdom on 2008-09-11 ***

Hi, I have just watched a programme on Tania Head in England what a fraud.... one of the good things that came out of the programme was the part Wells played in helping so many people to safety... our thoughts go out to the Red Bandanna Man long may his memory live on and all those that so sadly lost their lives as well....

*** Posted by Gary Wicks on 2008-09-11 ***

I had the honor of helping custom frame a red bandanna in his honor. I had no idea at the time what an amazing hero he is. I do now. Never forget 9/11.

*** Posted by Megan Ullman on 2008-08-01 ***

Heroes come with wings, not with capes. Welles was a true angel on earth.

*** Posted by N.Gallego on 2007-09-28 ***

Your son Welle’s life still touches others 6 years later. I teach in a christian school in Tennessee. My first period class is a total of 5 8th grade boys. I use stories of biblical and current heroes to instill what courage is before I teach them algebra. Tomorrow I can continue with this man’s great deeds. I saw his father on the news tonight reporting that Welles had been named an honorary fire fighter. He is part of the pemanent now. He lived more life in 24 years than most live in 80. Thank you for raising such a man to lead the next generation of men.

*** Posted by janice neal on 2007-09-11 ***

A brave man, a true hero. God bless him.

*** Posted by L. Carlier on 2006-09-08 ***

To Me, Welles was a great person and will be missed greatly.

*** Posted by Steve Bartholomew on 2004-04-13 ***

Welles was my older brother, my protector.  He was an amazing young man and, although our loss was great, I find solace in knowing that in his last moments, he took on the role of being the protector of so many others.  He was truly a guardian angel that day, and still is today.  He is with me always, and I will forever feel his presence.  He is in my thoughts, dreams and prayers everyday and if we pass his heroic story on, in this way, he will live forever.

*** Posted by Paige Hope Crowther on 2003-09-12 ***