9/11 Headlines
July 28th, 20109/11 Headlines
Urgent action needed to Respect Human Remains at the 9/11 Memorial Museum
July 25th, 2010Reply to: administrator@respecthumanremainsatthe911memorial.com
*Advocates for a 9/11 Fallen Heroes Memorial*
* The Skyscraper Safety Campaign *
* 9/11 Parents & Families of Firefighters and WTC Victims *
* Freeport 9/11 Parents & Family Support Group *
Alliance to Respect Human Remains
at the 911 Memorial
July 26, 2010
Dear Family Member,
The intent of this letter is to inform 9/11 families of serious issues regarding the ethical and respectful treatment of our loved ones’ human remains at the future 9/11 Memorial Museum.
We are an alliance of established group leaders who have lost their loved ones at the WTC. For the past eight and a half years, we have been advocating for 9/11 family members as they struggle to ensure a proper, honorable and respectful 9/11 Memorial and Museum as a legacy for their loved ones.
As the 9/11 Memorial Museum is being constructed, alarming details are just beginning to emerge about specific design elements of the facility. Some time ago, several 9/11 family group leaders attended a lecture by Alice Greenwald, Director of the Memorial Museum. Among other elements of concern, we were appalled to learn that the unidentified human remains will be inside the museum itself - seven stories below ground - and will be a “programmatic element” among the other museum artifacts and displays!
The sad truth is that the majority of families have been excluded from this entire process - you have not had any input or decision-making power in any aspect of this memorial process. You have not been consulted on the disposition of human remains.
Now is the time to make your voice heard.
In the first few years after 9/11, many families advocated that the unidentified human remains be returned to Ground Zero, to be interred in a type of “tomb of the unknowns.” At that time, the families fully believed that this tomb, and indeed the entire memorial complex itself, would be above ground where it belonged. We all believed that the human remains would be interred in a respectful and accessible location at Ground Zero. We never thought our loved ones’ remains would be made part of a museum and we surely never agreed to such an arrangement!
Now we are told that the sacred remains of our loved ones will be placed at the bottom of the museum (70 feet below ground), behind a “memorial wall” which will be pointed out to all tourists and visitors at the Museum as containing the remains of our loved ones! This was a shocking revelation: We did not realize these plans would relocate the human remains to such an extremely inaccessible and impersonal location.
We and our expert advisors recently met with representatives of the 9/11 Memorial Museum and once again expressed our opposition to placing our loved ones’ human remains at the bottom of a museum without proper consultation with all of the 9/11 families. We would like to be able to bring your collective desires to them as well as insist that you and all other family members be consulted on this critically important and most sacred issue regarding the interment of 9/11 human remains at GZ
Fundamentally, the choice about the final disposition of our loved ones’ human remains at Ground Zero must be solely in the hands of the family members. It is through proper, ethical consultation with all family members that this decision must be made. We need to have a voice, and we need to have a choice, regarding where the placement of the human remains should be at the WTC site.
We have established a web site to inform the families and to record their opinions & choices regarding the placement of our loved ones’ human remains 70 feet below ground in the lowest level of the 9/11 Museum. Please VISIT the web site and VOTE at: www.RespectHumanRemainsatthe911Memorial.com Please select one of the three specified options OR tell us about your own proposal in the space provided. We also wish to hear any specific comments that you have about this situation. Please email us at: administrator@respecthumanremainsatthe911memorial.com with your comments.
*Please share this email with other 9/11 families.
Sincerely,
Deputy Chief Al Santora, FDNY ret. & Maureen Santora
9/11 Tribute Center Docents
9/11 Parents & Families of Firefighters & WTC Victims,
Parents of FF Christopher Santora, E-54, WTC/9/11
Deputy Chief Jim Riches, FDNY ret. & Rita Riches
Chairman, 9/11 Parents and Families of Firefighters & WTC Victims
Father of FF James Riches, E-4, WTC/9/11
Jim McCaffrey, LT/FDNY
Co-chair, Advocates for a 9/11 Fallen Heroes Memorial
Brother-in-law of B.C. Orio J. Palmer, Batt 7, WTC/9/11
Rosaleen Tallon, Ed.D
Family Liaison, Advocates for a 9/11 Fallen Heroes Memorial
Sister of FF Sean Patrick Tallon, L-10/E-10, WTC/9/11
Rosemary Cain
9/11 Parents & Families of Firefighters & WTC Victims
Freeport 9/11 Parents Support Group
Mother of FF George C. Cain, L-7, WTC/9/11
Russell & Joyce Mercer & Christine Kopytko
The Skyscraper Safety Campaign
9/11 Parents & Families of Firefighters & WTC Victims
Family of FF Scott M. Kopytko, E4/L15 , WTC/9/11
Sgt. Al Regenhard, NYPD ret.
Sally Regenhard
The Skyscraper Safety Campaign
Parents of FF Christian M.O. Regenhard, L-131, WTC/9/11
To contact the above members of The Alliance to Respect Human Remains at the 911 Memorial
email: administrator@respecthumanremainsatthe911memorial.com
Nadler Bill to Create 9/11 Commemorative Medal Passes House
July 20th, 2010CONGRESSMAN
JERROLD NADLER
8th Congressional District of New York
Nadler Bill to Create 9/11 Commemorative Medal Passes House
Medal will mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and directly support the World Trade Center Memorial and Museum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, July 20, 2010
CONTACT: Ilan Kayatsky, 212-367-7350
WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), representative of Ground Zero and long-time advocate of the victims of 9/11, hailed the Houses passage of his legislation to create an official 9/11 commemorative medal. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act will authorize the creation of up to 2,000,000 silver medals commemorating the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks and provide funding for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) has introduced a parallel bill in the Senate.
Next year, our nation will mark the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, said Nadler. To pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to those still suffering because of the attacks of 9/11, I have introduced the National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act. These medals will honor the courage and sacrifice of those who perished in the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and recognize the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others on that day.
Some facts about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act:
The legislation authorizes the striking of up to 2,000,000 silver medals, to be issued throughout 2011 and 2012.
Each medal will be inscribed with the years 2001-2011 and the phrase Always Remember.
The design of the medals will be selected by the Treasury secretary in consultation with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at WTC and the Commission of Fine Arts, and reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
The cost of each medal, which will be determined by the U.S. Mint based on the cost of production, will include a $10 donation for the operation of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at WTC.
Below is Nadlers floor statement:
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 4684, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act.
Next year, our nation will mark the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks. It will have been ten years since the most lethal terrorist attack ever committed on U.S. soil, when thousands lost their lives as planes were turned into bombs over the skies of New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
In the years that have followed, that days events have been transformed from searing headlines to indelible history. To pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to those still suffering because of the attacks of 9/11, I have introduced the National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act.
This bill will authorize the U.S. Mint to strike up to 2,000,000 silver medals commemorating the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The medals will be inscribed with the phrase Always Remember, with the final design to be selected by the Treasury Secretary in consultation with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. A surcharge of $10 on the sale of each medal will go directly to support the operations and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center following its completion. These funds will help to preserve the history of 9/11 so that posterity will long remember the bravery and sacrifice of that day.
Issuing a 9/11 commemorative medal is a simple but poignant way to mark the tenth anniversary of the attacks on our nation while simultaneously supporting the World Trade Center Memorial.
I want to thank the more than 300 Members of the House from both parties who have signed on as cosponsors. I want to extend my special appreciation for the support given by Chairman Frank and Ranking Member Bachus as this bill passed through the Financial Services Committee. I also want to thank the Leadership of the House for allowing us to bring this bill to the floor.
These medals will be a tribute to the terrible loss that we experienced on 9/11. And, to truly honor those still suffering from the 9/11 attacks, we must finally provide them with the health care and compensation that their courage and sacrifice deserves. After the towers fell on 9/11, thousands of firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and volunteers from across the country came to Ground Zero to search for survivors and to begin the rebuilding process. Once there, they along with thousands of community members, students, and area workers were exposed to toxic dust from the collapsed towers that filled their lungs and in many cases caused lasting health problems. It is our moral obligation to care for those who still bear the physical scars from this national tragedy, and I, along with Ms. Maloney, am working with the Leadership to bring the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to the floor in the next few weeks. That bill is essential because the best way to truly pay our respect to the victims and heroes of 9/11 is with the proper health care and compensation for their 9/11-related injuries.
But today, let us honor those whose lives were lost in the attacks of 2001 and commit to preserving the memory of 9/11 for future generations. With this bill, let us reaffirm that, no matter the passage of time, we will never forget.
I thank you and I yield back.
###
Jerrold Nadler has served in Congress since 1992. He represents New Yorks 8th Congressional District, which includes parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 11, 2010
July 16th, 2010DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 11, 2010!DID YOU PERFORM RESCUE, RECOVERY OR CLEAN-UP WORK AFTER 9/11?
YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER FOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS. DO NOT DELAY! REGISTER NOW!
NYCOSH 9/11 Workers’ Compensation FactsheetSimplified Instructions for Registration Form
Please read this NYCOSH factsheet and instructions before completing registration form!
New York State Workers’ Compensation Registration Form
Mail form to: NY State Workers Compensation Board, Downstate Centralized Mailing, P.O. Box 5205, Binghamton, NY 13902. DO NOT RETURN FORM TO NYCOSH!
- World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program information
- Financial Assistance
- Service providers for 9/11-related needs and benefits
- Help with finding workers’ compensation attorneys
OUTREACH MATERIAL
Poster
For a brief and easy-to-distribute introduction to workers’ compensation for post-9/11 rescue, recovery and cleanup workers and volunteers, download a 1-page leaflet here.
Public Service Announcements
BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, premiered a series of 9/11 Workers Compensation television, radio and internet Public Service Announcements, featuring acclaimed actress Sigourney Weaver, director Jim Simpson and former world light-heavyweight boxing champion, Jos Torres, all of whom work or live in Lower Manhattan.To view and download the psas for use on your union or organizational website in English or Spanish click here for BALCONY (www.balconynewyork.com).
Rebuilding officials to read WTC victims’ names
July 13th, 2010Rebuilding officials to read WTC victims’ names
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5im-VCKJQmTkJdV0Jc4RIyT0cObZgD9GTQMS00
Rebuilding Officials to Read WTC Victims’ Names at Ceremony
http://www.1010wins.com/WTC-Victims–Names-to-Be-Read-at-Rebuilding-Ceremo/7671610
WTC Potential Human Remains Recovery Update 6/22
June 26th, 2010Attached is a copy of the June 22, 2010 Memorandum to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg from Deputy Mayor for Operations Stephen Goldsmith on the WTC Potential Human Remains Recovery Operation.
Ellen Borakove
Director, Public Affairs
Office of Chief Medical Examiner
520 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Tel 212 447 2041
Fax 212 447 2755
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=51663
WTC PHR SIFTING OPERATION 6/17 2 MORE POTENTIAL REMAINS
June 26th, 2010Two potential human remains (PHR) were recovered Thursday, June 17, 2010.
Sifting operations concluded today, Friday, June 18.
The next daily report of PHR recovered today will be on Monday, June 21.
Ellen Borakove
Director, Public Affairs
Office of Chief Medical Examiner
520 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212 447 2041
Fax: 212 447 2755
Email: eborakove@ocme.nyc.gov
Web: www.nyc.gov/ocme
WTC PHR Sifting Operation - Daily Report 6/14 1 Remain
June 26th, 2010One potential human remain (PHR) was recovered Monday, June 14, 2010.
Sifting operations continue today. We will continue to provide a daily report on the number of PHR recovered
Tuesday 6/29 in DC: NY Lawmakers to Discuss Senate Action on Aid for 9/11 Workers, Survivors
June 26th, 2010Media Advisory
Contacts: Joe Soldevere (Maloney), 646-831-1649
Matt Canter (Gillibrand), 202-224-3873
Ilan Kayatsky (Nadler), 917-757-3104
Tuesday in DC: NY Lawmakers to Discuss Senate Action on Aid for 9/11 Workers, Survivors
-Gillibrand, Maloney, Nadler, Others to Gather With 9/11 First Responders, Survivors, Union Officials Before Hearing Tuesday Afternoon-
Washington, D.C. Tuesday at 12:30pm, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, and others TBA will discuss the Senate hearing scheduled for later that afternoon on the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, legislation that would provide comprehensive health care and compensation for those who are sick or injured because of the 9/11 attacks.
The hearing of the Senate HELP Committee will be held at 2:30pm on Tuesday in Room 430 of the Dirksen Building.
WHO:
Senator Gillibrand, Reps. Maloney and Nadler, 9/11 first responders & survivors, NYS AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes, UFA President Steve Cassidy, UFOA President Al Hagan, WTC contractor Rich Wood, and others TBA
WHAT:
News conference
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 29th
12:30pm
WHERE:
House Triangle
Washington
Rain Room: 210 Cannon House Office Building
Joe Soldevere
Press Secretary
Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney
(212) 860-0606 office
(646) 831-1649 cell
maloney.house.gov
