Now a resident of Hanover Township, Jeff Perlman looks like your typical township resident. Unbeknownst to many, this gentleman is a two-time survivor of attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Perlman, then an employee of Dean Witter, had an office on the 67th floor during the 1993 bombing, and was on the 56th floor of the South Tower during the 2001 attack. Now, 20 years later, Perlman said he still experiences moments that bring back the memories and terror, but not as bad as it was during the first 10 years.

Surrounded by family, friends and community members, Perlman recounted memories prior to 9/11, during 9/11 and after.

“It was amazing being above the clouds,” he told the audience. “There were times when it would be snowing [at the 56th floor] and raining down below.”

On Sept. 11, 2001, he was on the 14th floor when the second plane hit the second tower.

“I just kept moving down the stairs,” he recalled. “I knew I had to get out of that building.”

Perlman made it out of the building, moments before it collapsed trying to make his way up Broadway.

“Black clouds of death and debris came barreling down Broadway,” he said. “I ducked into a storefront to avoid being swept into the dust.”

Ultimately, Perlman maneuvered his way to his home in Queens.

In 2009 the Perlmans moved to Pennsylvania and now live in Hanover Township. Perlman’s five grandchildren sat spellbound in the front row as their grandfather told his story. All five were born post 9/11. Perlman said he now likes to focus on 9/12 – “a real day of unity and service… helping one another, a glorious spirit of unity.”