Visionary Network Leads Memorial Beautification Projects

The First Quincy Street Community Garden is home to a memorial that honors the 12 Black firefighters killed on 9/11. On August 16, Visionaries joined members of the community and the FDNY Vulcan Society, a fraternal organization of Black firefighters, to preserve the garden and memorial as a peaceful space. Together, these volunteers helped prepare the garden ahead of the Vulcan Society's annual 9/11 ceremony, which honors the firefighters' memory and their sacrifice.

On August 30 and September 1, Visionary Jonathan Egan organized a 9/11 Memorial Beautification at the Queen Elizabeth II September 11th Memorial Garden in Hanover Square, which honors all British citizens killed on 9/11. Jonathan’s father, Michael Egan, and his aunt, Christine Egan, were killed on September 11. Michael and Christine were from the United Kingdom and were remembered as “proud Brits.”

Over the course of these two days, community members worked together to refresh the space. Jonathan’s efforts reinforce his commitment to honoring his family’s legacy and their connection to the United Kingdom.

On September 7, Visionary Alex Zablocki led a memorial beautification at the Staten Island September 11th Postcards Memorial (right). The memorial commemorates the 263 Staten Island residents who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as those from Staten Island who later died from 9/11-related illnesses. Alex co-founded "Friends of Postcards," which helps ensure the memorial is maintained throughout the year.

On September 10, Ava Cascella, an intern on the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s Government & Community Affairs Team, spearheaded a beautification project at Fordham University’s WTC Memorial, located on the Rose Hill Campus (below). This memorial honors the memory of the three Fordham University students and 36 alumni killed on 9/11. Over the course of her internship, Ava worked to build a bridge between her community at Fordham and her position at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The beautification began with a presentation of the colors from the Fordham ROTC and continued with brief remarks from Ava about the importance of this project and bringing communities together.