Note: Click on the audio icon to hear Smith tell how he survived the attacks.

Western Carolina University Economics Professor Jim Smith was insides his room at the Marriott hotel that was nestled between the twin towers when the planes hit.

With only their toothbrushes, cell phones and room key, Smith and his wife fled the hotel and started running when dust from the collapsing towers stormed down the streets behind them.

The Smiths took shelter in a nearby business, and credit the man who let them inside for protecting them from harm.

Smith says he and his wife will mark the day with a small prayer of gratitude.

"We were supposed to be there that day we were awfully glad that we succeeded in getting out."

Smith's wife still has the hotel key and wears a special bracelet to remember the victims of 911.

Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? Please email us, we'd like to hear from you. news@whqr.org.

© Copyright 2009, whqr