American flag ribbons tied along the railing of the Survivor Tree

May 30, 2023 Commemoration & Highlights

On May 30th, we honored the courage and sacrifice of 9/11 rescue, recovery, and relief workers, commemorated those who have died due to 9/11-related illnesses, and recognized the spirit of survivors and members of the downtown community with a special ceremony. Throughout the month, we offered additional programming for community members and visitors.

  • Wreath-laying ceremony at the Survivor Tree
  • Mayor Adams at the podium in our auditorium

 

 

Top: On May 1st, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum welcomed current and former employees of New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) for a special wreath laying. The group then heard from our President & CEO Elizabeth Hillman, NYC DDC Commissioner Tom Foley, and Mayor Eric Adams before a special screening of NYC DDC 9/11, which features historic footage of the clean-up operation and interviews with DDC staff who worked at Ground Zero.

Row 2: On May 8th, as part of National Correction Officers week, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum welcomed current and former employees of the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) for a wreath laying. Following the wreath laying, the group heard from DOC First Deputy Commissioner Maginley-Lidd, and Retired DOC Warden Richard Palmer.

Row 3: On May 15th, we welcomed New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) for a screening of their documentary An Invisible Act, featuring extensive archival footage interviews of the critical role DSNY played in New York City’s recovery after the 9/11 attacks. Also on May 15th, the public program Fresh Kills: The Inside Story of the Recovery Operation After 9/11 addressed setting up interagency operations, the complex process to recover human remains, personal effects, evidence, and the ongoing health effects. 

Row 4: In conjunction with the May 15th public program, representatives from the World Trade Center Health Program were available to speak to those who may be suffering from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries. In honor of National Police Week (May 12-18), we recognized the officers who responded on 9/11 by placing flowers in each of their names.

Row 5: On May 30th, we gathered together to honor the 21st anniversary of the formal conclusion to the rescue, recovery, and relief operation. We pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the 9/11 rescue, recovery, and relief workers, commemorated those who have died due to 9/11-related illnesses, and recognize the spirit of survivors and members of the downtown community. After the ceremony, we hosted a screening inside the Museum of No Responders Left Behind, a documentary that follows the advocacy efforts to obtain health benefits and compensation for those suffering with illnesses and injuries as a consequence of the attacks on 9/11.