The Red Bandanna

“The Red Bandanna” by Tom Rinaldi tells the inspiring true story of Welles Crowther, a young man who became a hero during the 9/11 attacks. Crowther, known for the distinctive red bandanna he often carried, worked as an equities trader in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. When the tower was struck, Welles made a courageous decision to help others rather than save himself. Risking his life, he guided numerous people to safety, going back up into the building multiple times to lead people down the stairwell. For his selflessness, he became known as “The Man in the Red Bandanna,” a figure of hope amid tragedy.

Rinaldi explores Welles’s life before 9/11, depicting him as a kind, driven, and compassionate young man. Raised in a close-knit family in Nyack, New York, Welles’s strong sense of duty and bravery were evident from an early age. He had always been drawn to helping others, and after college, he considered joining the New York City Fire Department, a dream that reflected his deeply rooted sense of responsibility. Rinaldi uses personal anecdotes and stories from Welles’s family and friends to paint a vivid picture of who he was, creating an emotional connection that draws readers into the story.

In the aftermath of 9/11, Welles’s parents, Alison and Jefferson Crowther, spent months wondering about their son’s final moments. It wasn’t until several survivors came forward with accounts of a man wearing a red bandanna who saved their lives that they discovered Welles’s heroic actions. The Crowthers found solace and pride in knowing their son had died helping others, and his story became a source of inspiration and resilience for them and many others. Rinaldi shares how Welles’s legacy has since impacted people across the country, becoming a symbol of courage and sacrifice.

“The Red Bandanna” is a powerful tribute to an extraordinary young man and a reflection on the values of bravery, selflessness, and humanity. Rinaldi’s storytelling brings Welles’s heroism to life while honoring the lives lost on 9/11. The book not only memorializes Welles Crowther but also serves as a reminder of the countless unsung heroes who, in moments of crisis, choose to put others before themselves. Through Welles’s story, The Red Bandanna imparts a message of hope and the enduring strength of the human spirit.