The MEMO Blog

Fall 2001 saw David Friel completing the final weeks of his aviation career. His impending retirement inspired him to start maintaining a personal journal that detailed his experience as a pilot in the wake of 9/11. That journal is now in our permanent collection. Here, Friel elaborates on his unique perspective.

Artist Anthony Graviano spent the immediate aftermath of 9/11 visiting Ground Zero and taking inspiration from the colossal remnants of the steel structures. His paintings convey the unusual spirit of unity generated by the attacks. 

Recent Fordham graduate Jack Moses reflects on his spring internship with the Government and Community Affairs team at the Memorial & Museum. 

Pen and ink artist John Coburn, whose work is featured in the new Towers Rising exhibition, found inspiration in the devastation he witnessed after 9/11, fueling him to transform the pain and chaos into something meaningful. 

With a nod to the anniversary of the U.S. Army's 1775 founding last month, this installment of "In Their Own Voices" features Army Reservist Larry Provost, who responded to lower Manhattan on 9/11, volunteered for a week, and ultimately joined his unit on a six-month mission to Afghanistan. 

As the FDNY's Chief Medical Officer on 9/11, Dr. Kerry Kelly was a first responder who raced to Ground Zero to help however she could. Her school teacher husband Dan, whose ability to remain calm and steady in the face of chaos steered his Staten Island students through that horrific day and its aftermath, is a 9/11 hero in his own right. 

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we're sharing some of the powerful notes we've received from educators about the role we play in teaching the history and legacy of 9/11. 

With the 21st anniversary of the formal end to rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero fast approaching, we're dedicating this month's "In Their Own Voices" series to Rich Palmer, of the New York City Department of Correction. 

With Earth Day front of mind, we're highlighting Bram Gunther, Deputy Director of Forestry and Horticulture for the New York City Parks Department on 9/11, in the April installment of our "In Their Own Voices" series. Gunther talks about his role in saving the Callery Pear that became the Survivor Tree and what trees and nature in general can do for those grieving in a time of crisis. 

As we wrap up Women's History Month, trailblazer FDNY veteran Elizabeth Cascio reflects on her 39 years of service, her role in the response to the attacks, and her experience as a 9/11 cancer survivor.