Among the many people who risked their lives to save others on Sept. 11, 2001, were active members of the U.S. military.
Anthony Rumore lives in Cave Creek but 19 years ago he was in Long Island and deployed to Ground Zero within hours after the attack.
"I saw debris from the planes scattered all over the streets," Rumore said. "Obviously people still frantic, people running around still looking for loved ones."
One of Rumore's first responsibilities that day was to secure the perimeter of the northside of Tower One. His unit spent the next three weeks living in the toxic smoke at Ground Zero. He recalls the devastation he witnessed.
"Seeing Americans behind barricades, asking for help, asking to help find their loved ones," he said.
Rumore is sharing his story to let others know about the military's role in helping the city recover.
"Not a lot of people knew that we were even there," he said.
He also is using the day to reflect on where we were as a country then and where we are now.
"At the end of three weeks, we marched out of the city," Rumore said. "We marched as a unit and there were people lined up on both sides of the streets, waving flags, coming up to people hugging and kissing, saying thank you for being here. You just don't see that enough."
