A rendering of Bowling Green Park after a proposed beautification.
Victims' Families Events
Art for Heart
 On September 11, 2003 children of victims of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993 were invited to various locations throughout Manhattan, Long Island, and New Jersey to participate in Art for Heart, the therapeutic art program conceived by Ali Millard who lost her stepfather, Neil Levin, in the September 11th attacks. This program offered children an opportunity to paint their artistic expressions on canvas, and participate in an emotionally healing process. |
| On the second year anniversary of these families' tragic loss, numerous families found comfort in coming together with others that shared the experience. Families participated in Art for Heart at four different locations, including the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the 92nd Street Y, the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center and the JCC Metro West. |
Children ranging from 2 to 16 painted memories, tributes and messages to the loved one they lost in the attacks. The canvases will be sewn together to create a large quilt that will capture these children's memories for future generations to view. Panels created at a previous Art for Heart, held in June 2003, were also displayed in the room and served as a poignant setting for memorializing and remembering loved ones that were lost.
The panels will be on display at a local museum in the near future for the public to view and further details will be announced shortly. There will also be future opportunities to participate in the project and details will be posted on www.renewnyc.com as well as sent out to family members prior to the event.
Memorial Day Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum Ceremony
 |
On a solemn day
of remembrance for those who died in our nation’s service,
the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum hosted their annual Memorial
Day Commemoration Ceremony. In honor of those lost in the
terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center site, the Intrepid
Museum invited family members of February 26, 1993 and |
| September 11, 2001,to come and participate in
the commemorative event. Veterans and active military personnel
from all five branches of the armed services joined in the museum’s
tribute to the men and women who have given their lives in defense
of our nation. |
The program was led by members of the Joint Service Color Guard
who presented the colors while the National Anthem was performed
by the Navy Band Northeast. Following this, an invocation was given
by Chaplain Wayne MacRea of the USN. Senior military leaders, including
Rear Admiral Joseph A, Walsh, USN, Commander Submarine Group 2,
Naval Region North East and Colonel Tom Tyrrell, USMC (Ret.), Executive
Director and Chief Executive Officer, Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum
and Master of Ceremonies, shared with pride their thoughts on the
many sacrifices countless men and women have made throughout our
nation's history to preserve our democracy and America's cherished
values.
The Honorable Alan G. Hevesi, Comptroller, State of New York and
Ms. Barbara Walters, Trustee of the Intrepid Museum Foundation,
also offered words of support recognizing the patriotism and courage
of the nation’s armed services.
When remarks were concluded Colonel Tyrell announced the beginning
of the Laying of the Ceremonial Wreaths ceremony. Accompanied by
prayers offered by Chaplain William Kloner, RADM, NYNM, six commemorative
wreaths were placed in the Hudson River in recognition of United
States military personnel, civilians, military members of Allied
Nations, New York’s heroes and the heroes of Iraqi Freedom.
To conclude the event Colonel Tyrell invited military personnel
and veterans in the audience to gather for the unfurling of a 100-foot
American flag, the 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. The event
concluded with a closing prayer and Blessing of the Fleet by Chaplain
William Kloner, RADM, NYNM and a performance of God Bless America
by America’s Tenor, Officer Daniel Rodriquez.
In total over 150 family members of February 26, 1993 and September
11, 2001 attended the Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony.
Family-to-Family Outreach Drive
 |
On May 3, 2003 the LMDC invited family
members to assist the LMDC with sending out a mailing to over
6,500 family members as part of Public Perspective outreach
campaign. The LMDC would like to thank all those family members
who helped out in what was a wonderful and productive day. |
Family Luncheon at the Intrepid Air & Space Museum with
Governor George Pataki
 |
A special luncheon was held on April
11th, 2003 aboard the Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum in
New York City for the victims’ families of the February
26th, 1993 and September 11th, 2001 attacks and the families
of the brave service men and women currently serving or awaiting
deployment oversees to Iraq and Afghanistan. The purpose of
this |
luncheon was to remember those who died in the World Trade
Center attacks, honor America’s troops, and say thank
you to the families of the brave service men and women abroad
for the sacrifices they are making on behalf of our nation.
At the request of family members, this event was coordinated
by members of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation’s
Families Advisory Council.
The program was led by members of the Port Authority Police
Color Guard who presented the colors while Port Authority Police
Officer Mary Ann Braumback sang the National Anthem. Following
this display of national pride, the Pledge of Allegiance was
led by Neal Green and Sabrina Lobardo. Neal Green lost his brother
Brian Nunez in the World Trade Center attacks. Sabrina Lobardo’s
mother, a member of New York’s National Guard, was instrumental
in providing critical assistance and support to victims’
families at Ground Zero. Later in the program, September 11,
2001 family member Jennie Farrell and Moira Redy, whose husband
is a member of the US Coast Guard and was deployed overseas
to assist with Operation Iraqi Freedom, were invited to say
a few words before the assembly of families.
New York Governor George E. Pataki attended the luncheon and
provided words of support and encouragement to the families.
A staunch supporter of the armed forces, Governor Pataki recently
traveled across the state visiting troops and their families
at various bases and armories, thanking them and promising them
the full support of the State. He also recently introduced the
“Patriot Plan”, which offers new protections and
financial benefits to all of New York’s military personnel
and their families when they are called to duty.
After addressing the luncheon the Governor joined the children
of those who’d lost loved ones in the World Trade Center
attack, as well as those of the service men and women, to help
them draw colorful pictures for the troops. The families of
September 11, 2001 joined together to prepare care packages
for the troops overseas which included items such as letters
of support from school children, photos of loved ones, sun block,
snacks, books and other non-perishable items and toiletries.
These care packages were given to the military families at the
luncheon to be forwarded abroad to their loved ones. In addition,
a large journal was made available for all to write messages
of love and support for the troops. In total over 240 families
attended the luncheon.
Having been surrounded by well-wishers and supporters, family
members left the event with new hope and strength, and an even
greater appreciation for our brave servicemen and women and
their dedicated service to our country. |
St. Clare’s Outreach Information Forum
On Saturday, March 8, 2003, the LMDC participated in the St. Clare’s
WTC outreach Information Forum on Staten Island. Over 30 organizations,
including major family support organizations, attended the forum
to distribute information and materials on programs and benefits
for family members.
