'It was surreal, the smells, the debris:' Danville Firefighter recalls Ground Zero on 9/11

DANVILLE, Va. (WSET) — The 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is Sunday and a Danville firefighter said he still vividly recalls being there, even 21 years later.

Captain Ken Jones was one of only seven firefighters from Danville selected to travel up to New York after the attacks and help at Ground Zero.

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He said that it was an experience he will never forget, recalling the details from those days after the attacks, from the smell to the debris.

But Jones said he wants people to remember most how everyone worked together after it happened.

"I think that's how Americans should always be portrayed," Jones explained. "The fact that when we're in need, 'I will.' I will step forward. I will do what I have to do to make this thing better for my common man."

Jones said the way that Americans came together on that day was truly incredible.

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He explained that he's so thankful he was able to step up and be a part of that historic moment of community. Jones also said that his greatest hope is that we'll continue to keep the memory alive for generations to come.

He said he'll continue to do his part in making sure that we never forget all the lives lost on that fateful day.