AUGUST 31, 2007

DEAR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS,

As the Sixth Anniversary is quickly approaching, it has been heartwarming to hear from so many of you that I’ve had the pleasure to meet over the past six years.  Some are calling to make reservations to attend our upcoming Forum on September 10th and Commemorative Luncheon on September 11th.  Others are asking details about how they can participate in the 9/11 Living Memorial project to commemorate the lives and stories of 9/11.  Those who won’t be able to join us, like our dear friends Betty and Dennis Nielsen from Freedom Quilts, are calling to pass along their love and good wishes.  It’s wonderful to see the bond of friendship that has grown amongst the 9/11 community out of such a terrible tragedy and loss for so many.  In addition, I am in awe of the generosity of time and resources that have been devoted to make this year’s VOICES events a truly meaningful experience.      

For those of you who are just returning from vacation, I want to remind you to make reservations to attend the September 10th “Preserving 9/11” Forum and September 11th Commemorative Luncheon.  Seating is limited, so remember to contact our office early next week.  We are very excited about this year’s program that will include a formal launch of our 9/11 Living Memorial digital archive.  Our staff will be available on both days to digitize photographs, memorial programs and other mementos you’d like to include in the archive.  Information about our panel discussions is available in the newsletter below.   

As you know, National Preparedness Month begins tomorrow and runs through the month of September.  As a coalition member and advocate for local, state and federal preparedness, VOICES is highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness with daily tips you can read on our VOICES Preparedness page.   We encourage you to learn more about how to prepare your homes and families in the event of an emergency. 

In closing, my best wishes to you and your family for a safe and restful Labor Day weekend.

Warm Regards,

Mary Fetchet

Founding Director

"Preserving 9/11" Forum Spotlight: National September 11 Memorial and Museum and 9/11 Living Memorial Project Update  

Three dynamic sessions at this year's Forum will focus on the theme of "Preserving 9/11". The first panel marks the official launch of VOICES' 9/11 Living Memorial permanent digital archive to commemorate the lives and the stories of September 11, 2001. Using multiple media, the online archive has begun the process of documenting the stories of those who died as well as survivors, rescue workers and corporations affected by the attacks. Attendees will learn about the project's history and its importance to future generations. Those who have created pages for the Living Memorial, from family members and survivors to major organizations, will speak about their experiences in creating their digital memorial.

Online Forum Schedule Available on Website

The schedule for the September 10th "Preserving 9/11" Forum and Exhibits is available online. Explore the hyperlinks in the schedule to learn more about the exciting array of panel discussions and activities.

Click to visit our online schedule (check back regularly for updates)

Learn more about our plans for September 10th and 11th by reading our 2007 Commemorative Events page.

Lake Charles, Lousiana 9/11 Memorial

In the tragic events of September 11 th, Lake Charles, Louisiana lost two of its local community members. In honoring its two lost citizens, the Lake Charles community obtained two steel beams from the World Trade Center and a slab of limestone from the Pentagon, which it now features in its Lake Charles 9/11 Memorial. The two World Trade Center beams now rise from a reflecting pool while the names of two local victims are engraved into the Pentagon limestone.

Around the site is an undulating wall with glass embedded in its surface. Each piece of glass represents a life tragically lost on September 11 th while each tone represents one of the three sites of attack. Earth tones represent the World Trade Center; blues represent the Pentagon; and green; the Pennsylvania field. These 9/11 artifacts were escorted to the local civic center by Lake Charles Fire Department in order to be used in the design and creation of the memorial.

Ideas for the memorial were generated by the community and local artists used those suggestions to design and create what is now the Lake Charles 9/11 Memorial. This memorial is a quiet place to reflect upon the events of September 11 th and pay tribute to the lives lost that day. For more information visit the Lake Charles 9/11 Memorial page on our website or visit the City of Lake Charles website.

Preparendess Update

As a National Preparedness Month coalition member, VOICES will highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation in our weekly e-Newsletters and our web site. The first week's tips of the day are available below, and other preparedness resources are currently available on VOICES Preparedness page.

Tips of the day: Week 1

September 1  

Best Way Out - Read More

September 2  

Oh, the places you’ll go - Read More  

September 3  

Make a connection - Read More  

September 4  

Emergency Contacts - Read More  

September 5  

Man’s best friends - Read More  

September 6  

Make it a habit - Read More  

September 7  

Is school in or out when disaster strikes? - Read More