PRESS RELEASE

March 13, 2009

Media contact:

Joyce Greene
Cell – (203) 434-4839
Office – (203) 966-3911

VOICES OF SEPTEMBER 11th TO RECEIVE $285K

THANKS TO EFFORTS OF SENATORS DODD AND LIEBERMAN

            NEW CANAAN, Conn. (March 13, 2009) – The Voices  of September 11th (VOICES) 9/11 Living Memorial digital archive project, which commemorates the lives of those who died and the stories of those who survived, is to receive a federal grant of $285,000. The hard work of Connecticut Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT) is credited with securing this much-needed financial support for the educational and historic initiative that will digitally archive the lives and stories of the attacks on September 11, 2001. The archive will be included in the National September 11 Memorial and Museum which will  be built at the World Trade Center site.
            Leading the effort on the House side were Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), and former Connecticut Representative Christopher Shays, along with the entire Connecticut delegation.  There was broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, with many Senators and Representatives from across the nation signing on to the funding request.

            The funding is part of the fiscal year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill which provides over $62 million for a variety of important Connecticut initiatives supporting economic development, education, healthcare, housing, public safety, transportation, and military construction.

            “We are delighted that VOICES’ 9/11 Living Memorial Project is receiving federal support”, said the organization’s Founding Director, Mary Fetchet.  “This was the worst attack ever to take place on American soil and it is fitting that funding from the federal government will be used to help educate about, and preserve the memories of those who died. I want to especially thank  Senator Dodd, Senator Lieberman and the Connecticut delegation as well as the many Senators and Representatives from across the nation that supported our funding request. This grant will complement our major fundraising efforts with foundations, corporations and individuals to support this very meaningful multi-year project.”

            About VOICES of September 11th
           
            Voices of September 11th was co-founded by 9/11 family members Mary Fetchet and Beverly Eckert immediately following the attacks on September 11th. The organization provides information and resources to over 7,000 9/11 families, rescue workers and survivors impacted by the attacks on September 11, 2001. VOICES services include teleconference support groups, case management services, a weekly e-newsletter and an annual September 10th Information Forum and September 11th Commemorative Luncheon in New York City. VOICES supported the creation of the 9/11 Commission and legislation based on their recommendations, with a focus on promoting preparedness on the local, state and federal level.  

            About the 9/11 Living Memorial Project
 
            In 2006 VOICES launched the 9/11 Living Memorial Project, a digital archive currently online at  www.911livingmemorial.org which commemorates the lives lost and documents firsthand accounts of rescue workers and survivors. The 9/11 Living Memorial will include extensive collections of photographs, written tributes and personal keepsakes as well as documentation of memorials and memorial foundations that were created in memory of those who perished.  A family tribute page has been created for each of the nearly 3,000 victims along with a personal guestbook in which family, friends and co-workers can share their reflections. The archive will expand over time to include audio and video.  For more info, visit www.voicesofsept11.org or contact the VOICES office at (203) 966-3911.  

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