One of the most incredible stories published after 9/11 is the story of Rick Rescorla.  Rescorla was the Director of Security at Dean Witter / Morgan Stanley (who occupied 22 floors in the South Tower) and after the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center vowed to completely revamp the way an evacuation would take place for the company.

Photograph by Dan Callister www.dancallister.com

At a command from [Rescorla], which would come over the intercom system, all employees were instructed to move to the emergency staircases. Starting with the top floor, they were to prepare to march downstairs in twos, so that someone would be alongside to help if anyone stumbled. As the last pair from one floor reached the floor below, employees from that floor would fall in behind them. The drill was practiced twice a year. A few people made fun of it and resisted, but Rescorla tolerated no dissent, demanding military precision and insisting on a clearly defined command system.

On the morning of 9/11, Port Authority issued a warning that everyone should remain calm and stay at their desks.  Rescorla refused and immediately put his evacuation plan into motion:

With bullhorn in hand, he ordered the Morgan Stanley employees to evacuate the building.  Before the second plane struck the South Tower, his colleagues were on their way down the stairs. Thousands of people—nearly 2700 to be precise— owe their lives to Rick Rescorla, and many are vocal about that fact…

Trying to keep people calm, under such incredibly stressful circumstances, Rescorla began singing inspirational songs.  One, among them, was from his home [Cornwall]. Based on the Men of Harlech, he sang these words:

Men of Cornwall stop your dreaming, 
Can’t you see their spear points gleaming?
See their warriors’ pennants streaming, 
To this battlefield.

Men of Cornwall stand ye steady, 
It cannot be ever said ye 
for the battle were not ready
Stand and never yield!

Rescorla effectively evacuated everyone.  I cannot do the story justice and I recommend whole heartedly reading the now infamous piece from 2002 from the New Yorker titled “The Real Heroes are Dead,” on Rescorla’s courage and heroism on 9/11, the amazing love story leading up to it, his wonderful friendship with his best friend, and decades of leadership and patriotism.  May the country never forget what you gave us on 9/11, Mr. Rescorla.