Washington, D.C. – As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, filmmaker Paul Wagner shares his documentary Five Days on the Pile, which chronicles the courageous work of two local steamfitters, Chris Wagner and his friend Ralph “Red” Anderson.
Volunteers with a Trade
Both men leveraged their experience cutting steel to assist rescue crews at Ground Zero. For five grueling days they helped clear twisted wreckage, searching for survivors amid chaos and danger. Wagner recalls his brother’s modesty, noting that Chris often waved off questions about those harrowing days.
Grim Discoveries
Anderson describes a chilling moment when he thought he had found a rag, only to discover a pair of pants with a man’s leg still inside. The pair returned day after day, driven by a sense of duty despite the overwhelming carnage surrounding them.
Hazardous Conditions
The documentary also highlights the toxic environment at the site. Volunteers, including photographer Stephanie Mohr, worked without masks or respirators, exposing themselves to ash, dust and a “witch’s brew” of chemicals that later settled over southern Manhattan.
Long‑Term Health Impact
More than a year after the film’s release, Wagner reports that all three—Chris, Anderson and Mohr—have been diagnosed with cancer. While no definitive causal link can be proven, the film underscores the personal cost these volunteers paid in both mental and physical health.
Honoring the Unsung Heroes
Wagner emphasizes that the story of these volunteers deserves recognition alongside the victims of the attacks. Their selfless actions, performed without pay, exemplify the spirit of community service that helped the nation heal.
“We need to honor their sacrifice, not only the people who were killed, but the people who showed up to help,” Wagner says, urging viewers to remember the everyday heroes who answered the call.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
