Rockland native Welles Crowther posthumously awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
The family of "Man in the Red Bandana" accepts the nation’s highest civilian honor at a White House ceremony.
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A Rockland County native who died while saving others during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Alison Crowther, accompanied by her daughter Paige, accepted the award from President Donald Trump on behalf of her late son, Welles Remy Crowther, during a White House ceremony recognizing the anniversary of 9/11.
"He was no longer an equities trader on 9/11. He was a firefighter," Alison Crowther said.
The 24-year-old became known as the "Man in the Red Bandana" for using the handkerchief to cover his face from smoke while helping people reach safety from the 78th floor of the World Trade Center's South Tower.
Crowther repeatedly guided people to safety before the building collapsed, believed to have saved as many as 18 lives.
A volunteer firefighter in Upper Nyack, the Boston College lacrosse player-turned equities trader has been remembered for his actions on Sept. 11 and the lives he helped save.
"Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, his life continues to remind us of something very simple. In moments when others need us, each of us has the power to choose courage, compassion, and service. That's the real meaning of the red bandana. To be courageous. To find the good. To be the good," Alison Crowther said during the ceremony.
President Trump also praised Crowther's heroism, "but he willingly made all of these trips, up and down, up and down. Over and over again, saving life after life."
Crowther received the nation's highest civilian honor during the White House ceremony on the Ellipse commemorating Sept. 11.
The recognition comes a year after Crowther's mother and Rep. Mike Lawler called on the president to honor him.
On Thursday, that effort became a reality.
The president announced that Welles would be getting the award during a rally at Rockland Community College in May alongside Lawler.
