Dear Families and Friends,

 

 

The 15th Anniversary was a milestone, especially for those of us who were impacted on September 11, 2001. As we gathered in New York City, at the Pentagon in Shanksville, PA, or in our local communities, we remembered the 2,977 innocent citizens who lost their lives that day. As in years past, the anniversary was a time to commemorate, reflect on our personal journey and recognize the resilience of our 9/11 community. On this solemn occasion, it was comforting to be surrounded by so many who have become extended family to us!

 

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed so many lives. Nearly 1,000 responders and survivors have died as a result of their exposure to toxins at the World Trade Center site, and thousands are still suffering with serious medical and psychological conditions. Over 5,000 men and women have lost their lives while serving in the military. On the Anniversary, they were in my thoughts, as were their families who have suffered the loss of a loved one as a result of 9/11.

 

 

Commemorating the 15th Anniversary:
Remembrance, Renewal and Resilience

 

 

This year we hosted three events to commemorate the 15th Anniversary. On September 9, we held a Resiliency Symposium - Knowledge to Practice: Pathways to Healing. Accomplished clinicians, service providers and representatives from government agencies, from both here in the United States and abroad came together to share their expertise. Their professional commitment and dedication to helping the 9/11 community and others, provides us with a pathway to resilience and healing.

 

 

On the Eve of the Anniversary we hosted our 15th Annual Day of Remembrance Information Forum where the 9/11 community - victims' families, responders, survivors and those who have provided services for them were in attendance. Longstanding relationships within the 9/11 community have provided strength and friendship. Through the commitment of dedicated clinicians and service providers, the community has found critical resources. Our thanks to the CDC and the World Trade Center Health Program for their continued support.

 

 

At the conclusion of the day we recognized three individuals who have made significant contributions in the aftermath of 9/11:

 

Joe Daniels, President of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, for his leadership and tireless efforts in building a magnificent memorial, so that the legacy of each of the 2,977 individuals who lost their lives will always be remembered, and that future generations will understand both the magnitude of the event, and the renewal and resilience of our nation.

 

John Feal, Founder and President of FealGood Foundation, for his leadership and steadfast determination in advocating for the passage and reauthorization of the Zadroga Act. John led the effort to ensure that responders and survivors will receive quality medical and mental health treatment through 2090. As family members, we are indebted to the responders who worked at the WTC site to recover our loved ones, and we are grateful to John for his ongoing efforts in supporting their long-term care.

 

Dr. Charles Hirsch, former NYC Chief Medical Examiner, for his compassion in working with our families and his dedication to coordinating the monumental efforts to identify the remains of our loved ones. Under Dr. Hirsch's leadership, he committed to continue the identification process indefinitely, so that every family member has the opportunity to be notified of their loved ones' remains. It was an honor to know him, and we were touched to have his daughter Sophie and her children there to accept the recognition award in his memory.

 

 

On September 12, in partnership with Grace Farms Foundation we co-hosted a Public Discourse Initiative: Commemorating the 15th Anniversary: Remembrance, Renewal, Resilence, in New Canaan, CT. Family members, survivors and responders shared their personal stories. Our elected officials joined public policy experts to discuss their insights into the long-standing impact of 9/11 and perspectives on the current national security challenges we face. VOICES has had a longstanding relationship with these distinguished public servants and we appreciate their dedication to keeping our county safer.

 

The anniversary is always a time to reflect on the past, but also look forward to the future with hope. I am especially grateful to the long list of individuals who supported our 15th Anniversary events this year - volunteers, artisans, clinicians, elected officials, government agencies, and our generous donors, to mention a few. Your support sustains us, and our partnerships helps us help others.

 

Our commitment to our founding mission remains unwavering - to support all those impacted by 9/11; to commemorate the lives lost and to promote public policy to make our country safer. We are equally committed to sharing our lessons learned to help communities impacted by other tragedies. With your continued support, and our partnerships with like-minded individuals and organizations, we are making a difference!