BY JIMMY SHOCKLEY, Eastern Shore Post —
Stanley Praimnath has described for audiences his experience on Sept. 11, 2001, when he was on the 81st floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center when it was attacked by terrorists.
Next month, on the 25th anniversary of the attacks, he will be on the Eastern Shore to share how he survived the ordeal.
Exmore Baptist Church will be hosting Praimnath during a service of rememberance for those who lost their lives and gave their lives trying to help others on that day.
Nearly 3,000 people died in New York City, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania during the attacks.
“We’re viewing this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said the Rev. Jonathan Carpenter, of Exmore Baptist Church, of Praimnath’s appearance on the Eastern Shore.
Praimnath is one of just 18 survivors from the 81st floor and higher floors.
He served as the assistant vice president of Fuji Bank Limited at the time of the attacks, and his office was in the South Tower.
Praimnath was also present at the World Trade Center for the 1993 terrorist attack, in which a van bomb was detonated underneath the north tower.
Carpenter said the church is fortunate to have Praimnath come and speak.
For the 25th anniversary of the attacks, Praimnath had a lot of options on where to be, but he will be on the Eastern Shore.
“If you’re old enough, you remember where you were or what you were doing. For those younger, it’s important we teach them the sacrifices and heroic acts from that day,” Carpenter said.
Carpenter said the church is asking current first responders to come in uniform. They will be receiving a gift during the service.
The service will take place in the church’s outreach center on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m.
The church is anticipating a large crowd. If the outreach center is filled to capacity, the event also will be be livestreamed in the sanctuary for as many people to see as possible.
Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. for the event, and the church is planning extra parking locations.
Carpenter said if there are any questions about the event, call the church office at 757-442-9491.
“We’re really excited — we just hope it is a great evening for the community,” he said.
