Elaine Leinung and John Leinung

Paul Battaglia left early for work on September 11, 2001.

The 22-year-old Brooklyn native worked for Marsh & McLennan in the World Trade Center. From his office on the 100th floor of Tower 1, he had a spectacular view of his home borough.

It would be the last time his family saw him.

His parents, Elaine and John (pictured in the player above) came to StoryCorps to remember Paul (pictured at left), and what he meant to their family.

Originally aired July 12, 2005 on NPR’s Morning Edition.

Grete Meerholz and Keith Meerholz

Keith Meerholz escaped from the World Trade Center’s North Tower on September 11, 2001.

But when his wife, Grete, first heard about the attacks, she didn’t know whether or not Keith had made it out.

At StoryCorps, they talked about the moment she learned he was safe, and how the experience has changed them.

Originally aired July 25, 2004 on WNYC’s Brian Lehrer Show.