'THIS time of year always holds significance whether it be five years, 10 years or 20 years' - those are the words of a Denbighshire photographer who was working during one of America's most infamous days.

Saturday, September 11 2021, marks 20 years since al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger planes and flew them into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.

Just under 3,000 people lost their lives during the incident now known worldwide as '9/11'. There were no survivors from any of the flights; 2,753 victims died when the World Trade Centre was hit, and 184 people were killed in the attack on the Pentagon.

A total of 343 firefighters, 60 police officers and eight private emergency medical technicians and paramedics were also killed.

Back in 2011, on the 10th anniversary of the event which shook the world, the Denbighshire Free Press spoke to Dan Callister.

Denbighshire Free Press:

PIC: Dan Callister (now on left) and right with flag from World Trade Centre. PICS: Dan Callister.

Dan, originally from Ruthin, was 26 years old at the time of the attacks and was working as a photographer for a New York company.

On the morning of September 11 2001, he received a call from a reporter saying a small plane had hit the World Trade Centre.

Grabbing his camera and lenses, Dan jumped into a cab and headed towards the towers.

The former Ysgol Brynhyfryd student was just 200 yards from the World Trade Centre, when he started taking pictures of the second tower which was still standing.

Dan captured hundreds of images that day (you can view some in the above gallery), which were screened across the globe.

His image of fire lieutenant Reilly was used by the former US President George Bush during one of his many speeches after the attacks.

Ahead of the 20th anniversary, the DFP managed to track Dan down.

He still lives in New York to this day and has since married Zoo Keeper wife Melissa who he lives with, along with his goldfish named 'Owain G'.

Re-calling the events of 9/11, as well as how he ended up Stateside in the first place, the now 46-year-old said: "I was offered a job in Los Angeles with a news wire service photographing news, celebrities and sport. I then moved to New York City in January 2001.

"I’m still a freelance editorial, commercial and wildlife photographer. I’m still heavily involved in magazine work and marine conservation photography. Work life is still swings and roundabouts especially with Covid-19 and the political climate, interspersed with the occasional natural disaster and mass shooting.

"There are a couple of moments that remain with me (from 9/11). The jumpers and the sound of the PASS Devices (Personal Alert Safety System) that pierced the air after the towers collapsed. PASS Devices are worn by Firefighters and activate when they stop moving. It’s a sound I will never forget.

"This time of year always holds significance whether it be 5 years, 10 years or 20. I always share a thought for those who never came home. Unfortunately, first responders and people who spent time in that area are still now falling ill with extreme illnesses such as cancer. People are still dying from 9/11 related health issues twenty years on.

"The last 20 years has flown by but 9/11 and the aftermath, seeing my brothers go off to war, feels like yesterday."

For more pictures captured by Dan, visit: www.dancallister.com/index