As the world marks 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, a Winnipeg man is reflecting on his connection to the day. His name is Evan Kuz and he was in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. Kuz was supposed to visit the World Trade Center that morning; however, a last-minute decision changed the course of the rest of his life. In an interview on Friday, Kuz recounted that it was his first time in New York. He said he spent Sept. 10, 2001, touring the city, including a visit to Lower Manhattan, Ellis Island and the World Trade Centre. While there, he was looking out over Manhattan and opted to take a photo. “Two things that really are present in the photo – one is the [Twin] Towers and the other one is an American flag,” he said. That same day, Kuz also met a woman and the two made plans to visit the Twin Towers the next day. Their plans were set for 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001. However, Kuz’ last-minute decision to go for a morning run caused him to be late and ended up saving his life. “It just changed my morning completely,” he said, adding that the woman he was supposed to meet also left late and was saved from the attacks. Since that day, Kuz has shared the images he took on Sept. 10, 2001, with the world – something he was initially hesitant about. “At first I was kind of reserved about it because it was so personal,” he said. “But then I realized so many people were connecting with it. And that image itself has connected me with so many people from around the world.” Kuz said it’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since the 9/11 attacks and hopes that others can also reflect on where they were on that day.
