A 9/11 survivor who was in the North Tower when it was hit by a hijacked plane now has a new definition for the word superhero, and he's showing his appreciation.
Sunel Merchant says the selfless acts of first responders he saw 11 years ago Tuesday has carried over into his business. And Wednesday one of the restaurants he runs in Albany will be giving those heroes a free lunch.
Merchant is the proud owner of three Philly Connection restaurants. But it's his connection to this date, 11 years ago in the World Trade Center that forever changed the world and his life.
"My first thought is what do I hold onto? It dawned on me what's the use because everything was falling with me," Merchant said.
He was in his office on the 49th floor of the north tower when the first plane hit it. The building began to sway. He and his co-workers rushed down the stairwell. It was here where he saw the first victims of the attack.
"On the 33rd floor we saw a woman totally burned from head to toe. Just totally charred."
It was a time of confusion for everyone.but one thing was certain.The firefighters who went in would likely not come back out.
"When I reached the 25th floor, my life changed. Because I saw the first firefighter coming up. Even today I remember the eyes of the firefighter. You could see it in his eyes that he knew he wasn't coming down. Yet, he had a smile on his face to comfort us and told us not worry that everything was ok, they were there."
Merchant made it to the streets of Manhattan but in a matter of minutes, 343 firefighters and paramedics would be killed as the towers came crashing down. "These are the people who are real blood and flesh. They aren't fictitious. They are real super heroes."
So to honor those super heroes, police, firefighters, EMT and members of the armed services Merchant is offering them a free lunch at the Philly Connection.
"this is a really small way of my thanking mu super heroes for the wonderful work they do throughout the year," A hats off to those who risk all for others.
The free meals for troops and first responders will be available Wednesday 8AM until 5PM at the Philly Connection on Ledo Road.
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