The MEMO Blog

The official blog of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum features stories of commemoration and memorialization, and information on our public programs, special events, and ways to get involved.

Dozens of square tiles that are varying shades of blue are seen up close in Memorial Hall.
Photo by Dan Winters

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Recognizing War Hero Who Led WTC Survivors to Safety on 9/11

May 27, 2016

As people anxiously evacuated the South Tower, some remember a calming voice singing “God Bless America” over a bullhorn. The voice belonged to Richard Cyril Rescorla, Morgan Stanley’s vice president of security.

The name of Richard Cyril Rescorla, Morgan Stanley’s vice president of security, is seen on the 9/11 Memorial. A white rose has been placed at the name to mark his birthday. An inset image of Rescorla is seen at the top left.

9/11 Rescue and Recovery Workers Are Honored at Memorial Museum

May 27, 2016

In recognition of the 14th anniversary of the formal end of recovery operations at the World Trade Center, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum held a special tribute to honor the men and women of the nine-month rescue and recovery effort.

Dozens of participants take part in a ceremony at the Last Column. Some of them are playing blue ribbons on a railing surrounding the column.

John Feal’s Red Bomber Jacket Added to Museum Collection

May 26, 2016

Nearly 15 years ago, through the wretched acts of a few, thousands of innocent lives were lost, leaving millions to mourn in their enduring memory. Despite their evil intentions, compassion and unity were created in the wake of the attacks.

Foundation members dressed in red flanked me in my signature red bomber jacket as we advocated in Congress for the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Act and later its reauthorization. The bill provides first responders with the proper medical treatment and compensation for their injuries and illnesses they have sustained.

Colleagues Use Special Chair to Save Quadriplegic on 9/11

May 24, 2016

Mike Fabiano was knocked off his chair and immediately urged his colleagues on the 69th floor of the North Tower to begin evacuating.

A blue and yellow evacuation chair used on 9/11 is displayed on a white surface in the Museum. The chair was used by to evacuate a quadrplegic man, John Abruzzo, from the North Tower. The chair includes wheels and sled-like components that make it easier to descend stairs.

The Lens: Capturing Life and Events at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

May 23, 2016

The Lens: Capturing Life and Events at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a photography series devoted to documenting moments big and small that unfold at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

FDNY and NYPD rescue and recovery workers salute the Last Column in the Museum’s Foundation Hall. Messages written on the column can be seen in the foreground.

Story Behind the Last Column’s First Markings

May 20, 2016

The Last Column, standing in the center of the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s Foundation Hall, is covered in thousands of markings and tributes placed on the beam by workers and family members.

A close-up of the Last Column shows tributes added to the concrete beam by first responders. Among these are images of victims and fire patches. Visitors to the Museum can be seen sitting on benches in the background.

Museum Marks 2nd Anniversary, Welcomes 5.6 Million Visitors

May 20, 2016

Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of the day the 9/11 Memorial Museum opened its doors to the public.

A monochrome image of the 9/11 Memorial shows one of the reflecting pools lit up at night, with surrounding buildings illuminated in the background. The Twin Towers’ steel, rust-colored tridents are the only colorized object in the photo. They are visible through the windows of the Museum Pavilion.

9/11 Museum Program Highlights Stories Behind FEMA Photographs

May 19, 2016

Rescue and recovery workers, many returning to ground zero for the first time since the 9/11 recovery efforts ended, filled the 9/11 Memorial Museum auditorium Wednesday night for a public program highlighting a new exhibition.

FEMA photographer Andrea Booher smiles onstage as she speaks with a woman out of focus in the foreground.

Behind the Scenes of Museum’s Newest Exhibition: Hope at Ground Zero

May 18, 2016

Today the new special exhibition Hope at Ground Zero: FEMA Photographs by Andrea Booher opened in the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s south tower gallery.

A man stands on an orange ladder as he installs the exhibition “Hope at Ground Zero.” About a dozen FEMA photographs of Ground Zero have been positioned on a white wall in front of the man.

Today Marks Birthday of 'Man in Red Bandana'

May 17, 2016

Today marks what would have been Welles Crowther’s 39th birthday. The former volunteer firefighter worked in finance in the World Trade Center when terrorists struck on Sept. 11.

A white rose has been placed at the name of Welles Crowther on the 9/11 Memorial in honor of his birthday. An inset shows a professional photo of Crowther, who is smiling in a suit and tie.