25 years on from 9/11: 'Man in the red bandana' symbolises courage and selflessness amid tragedy

Welles Crowther made three trips to the 78th floor of the South Tower on the day to save 18 people

A Boston College Eagles fan holds a red bandana to honour Boston College alumni Welles Crowther who lost his life after saving at least 18 people during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty

In the breast pocket of his blazer as we walk through the Museum of the City of New York, Christopher Gorman, the museum's vice president of communications and public affairs, carries a red handkerchief.

It is when we reach the museum's section on September 11 that he points out the garment and says that it is in honour of his childhood friend, Welles Crowther, who would become an enduring symbol of 9/11.