The central character of this true story, Welles Crowther is born in 1977 and grows up a typical American boy in a typical neighborhood. A bit small during his youth, Welles makes up for it with hard work and enthusiasm, and he becomes a ranking athlete at school. He’s known for his cheerfulness and helpfulness; in high school, Welles joins his father as a volunteer fireman with the Empire Hook and Ladder Company #1 in their home town of Upper Nyack, NY.

A strong student, Welles attends elite Boston College, where he plays on the varsity lacrosse team. After graduation, Welles works for investment firm Sandler O’Neill at their offices on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. On 9/11, as airliners strike the towers, Welles guides many people down a stairway that leads to their escape. He dies when the South Tower collapses.

His story of heroism on 9/11 begins to spread, and the red bandanna he always carries becomes an iconic symbol of strength and self-sacrifice for a nation in mourning.