All My Children star Colin Egglesfield has shared a deeply personal reflection on the September 11 terrorist attacks, revealing harrowing images from the day that changed his life forever.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks, the actor revealed that he was living directly across the street from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and witnessed the devastating events unfold at close range.
Alongside a series of haunting photographs documenting the aftermath, Colin reflected on the fear and confusion of the day – as well as the extraordinary bravery he witnessed.
© Instagram"25 years ago, I was living at Ground Zero on September 11th, 2001," he began.
"There are certain moments in life that divide everything into before and after. For me, 9/11 was one of those moments."
The 53-year-old continued: "I will never forget the fear, the confusion, the smoke, or the overwhelming realization of how quickly life can change. But what I remember just as powerfully is the courage."
© InstagramColin went on to pay tribute to the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, first responders and ordinary New Yorkers who put their own lives at risk to help others.
"To every first responder who showed up that day, to those who saved lives, to those who lost their lives, and to the families who have carried the weight of that day ever since, thank you," he wrote.
"Your bravery, sacrifice, and humanity will never be forgotten."
© InstagramColin has previously spoken about just how close he was to the World Trade Center when the attacks took place. The actor was living across the street from the Twin Towers and studying acting in New York when the first plane struck.
He has recalled watching the events unfold before evacuating the area. When the towers later collapsed, the windows of his apartment were blown in and the building was subsequently quarantined, leaving him temporarily homeless.
When Colin was eventually allowed to return, he found his home covered in glass, dirt and debris. He was given only a short amount of time to gather his possessions before having to leave again.
© InstagramColin has said witnessing the tragedy made him question what he really wanted and pushed him to pursue acting professionally, eventually moving to Los Angeles.
He went on to find fame playing Josh Madden on All My Children and later appeared in Melrose Place, The Client List and Rizzoli & Isles, as well as starring opposite Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin in the 2011 romantic comedy Something Borrowed.
Twenty-five years on, Colin said the events of September 11 still shape the way he approaches his life.
© Instagram"It reminded me that tomorrow is not guaranteed," he wrote, before listing the things people often postpone – from making a phone call and chasing a dream to telling someone they love them. "Someday isn't promised."
He encouraged his followers to "love deeply", be present and take chances rather than waiting for the perfect time to pursue the life they want.
© Getty Images"Take the trip. Chase the dream. Be present. Be kind," he added. "And have the courage to live the life that is calling you."
Colin concluded his moving post by remembering the nearly 3000 people who were killed in the attacks, as well as those who survived and the first responders who rushed to help.
"Today, I remember all those we lost, all those who survived, and all those who ran toward the unimaginable to help someone they had never met," he wrote. "We will never forget."
