VOICES News Alert

Media Alert

May 2, 2011
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Dahill
Communications Director, Voices of September 11th
sdahill@voicesofseptember11.org
Office: 203-966-3911 9:00-5:00
Cell: 203-321-5563

New Canaan, CT. May 2, 2011. Mary Fetchet, Founder and Director of Voices of September 11th, expressed her gratitude to President Barack Obama and the members of the U.S. military and said that the news of yesterday is "good for our country and good for freedom and justice." Mrs. Fetchet, who lost her 24 year old son Brad on September 11th, said that on this day "we remember the almost 3,000 lives lost on 9/11 and their families as well as all the troops and intelligence officers who gave their lives in pursuit of Al-Qaida and the man known as the architect of 9/11. It renews our faith that good can conquer evil and all people can breathe free."

Speaking about her feelings as a family member, Mrs. Fetchet said, "Hearing about the death of Osama Bin Laden felt like the shock of 9/11. Even when it's news that justice has been done, it stirs many unthinkable emotions." Mrs. Fetchet is a trained social worker and her work over the last 9 years has focused on meeting the needs of members of the 9/11 community affected by 9/11. She said that "9/11 families, survivors, responders and many others experienced great anxiety over the years, not knowing if Osama Bin Laden was dead or alive. At least that anxiety is over." This news "elicits mixed feelings among family members, gratitude to our military, combined with the sadness of knowing that our loved ones were innocent victims in the attacks."

Mrs. Fetchet said that meeting the needs of those affected by 9/11 – family members, survivors and rescue and recovery workers – is what guides her and the staff of Voices of September 11th in their work. Over the last 9 years, Voices of September 11th has worked to provide information, resources and support programs that meet the evolving needs of the 9/11 families, survivors, rescue and recovery workers. Since 2006, VOICES has been dedicated to commemorating the nearly 3000 lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA. Staff members work with families to create an extensive digital archive of over 60,000 photographs, written materials and personal keepsakes, as well as documenting the stories of rescue workers and survivors. The 9/11 Living Memorial will be a core component of the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City. More information on VOICES and the Living Memorial is available on the VOICES website, www.voicesofseptember11.org.



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