On September 11, 2001 English teacher Allie June was on the living room floor of her Maryland home, trying on clothes with her 2-year-old daughter Lily. Little did she know that 227 miles away her father, John Stark, was standing in the middle of Fifth Avenue in New York City watching the World Trade Center burn to the ground.

“As I walked downtown, it was surreal – all cars, trucks and cabs were pulled over to the side of the road,” Stark said. “Everyone was watching the towers burn.”

At age 75, Stark is now a retired lieutenant colonel U.S. Air Force pilot, executive officer to  general officers, and squadron commander at Pope AFB, a U.S. military facility located near Fayetteville, North Carolina.

However, 13 years ago Stark was on the 44th floor of Paramount Tower at Third Avenue and 39th Street in the apartment he shared with his wife. When the first plane hit he was certain that it wasn’t an accident or coincidence.

“It was the clearest morning I can remember. You don’t mistakenly fly into a 1,400-foot high building on a CAVU (clear and visibility unlimited) day,” Stark said. “When my wife called and told me a second plane had hit, I knew something was horribly wrong.”

Meanwhile , in Maryland, June’s television program was interrupted by Peter Jennings, the ABC News anchor, with breaking news and footage of a plane hitting the first tower.

Last spring June and Stark reconciled after a 25-year estrangement. Until recently she had no idea he was in New York on 9/11.

“I really thought the channel had been changed and we were watching Saturday Night Live,” June said. “Never in my life could I imagine a plane running into a building in New York City.  When I saw the tears in Peter Jennings’ eyes, I knew this was no joke.”

After the second plane struck, Stark descended 44 floors, walked across Third Avenue, across Lexington, and across Madison to reach Fifth Avenue where he had a clear view of flames encompassing the Towers.

“People had their car doors open, so pedestrians could listen to their car radios to get a narrative of what they were physically seeing,” Stark said. “I tried numerous pay phones as I walked downtown, but none of them were working.”

Stark continued walking downtown and when he reached 28th street the first building imploded straight down. He continued walking down the street for 10 blocks when the second tower collapsed.

“People were in shock, no yelling, just shock,” Stark said. “In Vietnam, I witnessed terrible loss of life, but nothing like this.”

Stark reversed his route and returned to the 44th floor of Paramount Tower where he called his wife and told her about the scene he had witnessed.

“Utter silence, no traffic movement, everyone staring at an unbelievable sight.  I was shocked beyond belief. The loss of life was enormous and barbaric,” Stark said. “Osama Bin Laden could not have predicted the utter devastation, the complete destruction of two 1,400-ft high towers and the loss of 3,000 lives.”

Thirteen years after Stark witnessed the fall of the twin towers, memories and emotions from the day continue to consume him.

“I used to be a sound sleeper, but since 9/11 I have trouble sleeping every night,” Stark said.

While June didn’t experience the event first hand, the terrorist attack impacted her ideology and teaching practices.

“I think it’s important to teach my students to avoid stereotyping.  While we need to be concerned and circumspect when we believe something is wrong, flat-out blaming an entire culture for the actions of a few is dangerous,” June said. “It can speak volumes about us.”

Knowing her father was at the scene of the attack on 9/11 furthered June’s emotional connection to the tragedy.

“At the time, I didn’t know he was in New York. I find his account absolutely heartbreaking,” June said. “Everyone was helpless, but he told me that others bonded to survive.  The whole thing is surreal.  Like a movie.  Unfortunately it was not.”

Since reconciling, June has learned about her father’s past and his connection to 9/11, while Stark has gained knowledge of his daughter’s life and accomplishments.

“Allison has made me very proud,” Stark said. “She is a wonderful mother and teacher.  You all have a beautiful school and should enjoy your high school days. Trust me, you will remember them for the rest of your lives.”

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