The Legacy of a 9/11 Hero Goes Beyond Film
The sons of NYPD detectives, who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, are now following in their father’s courageous footsteps.
Opening at select theaters on Friday, the film “Twin Towers: Legacy” tells the story of Vivi Viguiano, who picks up the family tradition after the tragic loss of his father, Joseph, and his firefighter brother, John, during the terrorist attack 24 years ago.
Kathy Viviano, Joseph’s widow, shared her pride in her sons, saying, “They’re trying to make the world a better, safer place,” in a recent interview.
The trailer reveals heartfelt memories from sons Joseph, 33, Jimmy, 31, and John, 24, as they recount their father, the day they lost him, and the legacy that inspired them to join the NYPD and serve in the military.
Narrated by Dennis Quaid, this Lionsgate documentary uses old home videos to paint a picture of the Vigiano family before their tragic loss.
The film acts as a sequel to the Academy Award-winning documentary “Twin Towers,” which focused on the heartbreaking loss of Joseph and John Viguiano on that fateful day.
Producer Port, a close friend of Joe’s, refers to this project as a “passion project,” wanting to honor Joe and showcase a uniquely resilient family.
Port emphasized, “This is the story of selfless men and women who make daily sacrifices to help and save people without realizing it.”
The boys, associated with a lineage of first responders, acknowledge their legacy. Jimmy noted in the documentary, “As long as Vigianos were in this country, they were firefighters.”
Joseph initially became a police officer, eventually rising through the ranks in the NYPD and becoming part of the elite emergency services unit. Tragically, he was just 34 years old, with his sons all under ten at the time; the youngest was only three months old.
Despite the trauma of their loss, the boys remained determined to grow into the heroes their father represented. Joseph’s eldest son reflected, “I was hoping to grow into my father’s legacy,” signifying his recent joining of the NYPD’s ESU.
During last year’s 9/11 ceremony, Jimmy expressed his desire to be a police officer, driven by his personal experiences and commitment.
Kathy, a former officer who met her husband in their work, shared that reviewing old footage was difficult but felt her late husband would have loved the documentary. “Before he passed, he was focused on sharing the heroes of emergency services,” she recalled.
Joe’s sons now carry on his shield number 4511, while Jimmy, honoring his mother’s number, collaborated with her during a recent emergency, showcasing their family’s continued dedication to service.
Port summarized the family’s story as a “typical American tale about heroes and their heritage,” expressing admiration for the men they have become. “When you look at Joe and Jimmy, you see their father, and that’s high praise,” he stated.
