NEW YORK NY - The 9/11 Tribute Center, an official partner of the 9/11 Memorial Museum, presents the weekly public program "We Were There." In the half-hour program, Tribute Center guides share their personal stories, bringing their poignant, first-person experiences to museum visitors. The presentation, which offers a unique perspective on the events of 9/11, is presented every Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Museum's auditorium. The program is free to Museum visitors.

Each week, two stories are paired to share different personal perspectives of the events of 9/11. Some are stories of 9/11 family members, survivors, rescue and recovery workers or local residents. A Tribute Center moderator, (also a volunteer guide) sets the historic context for each of the stories and connects them to artifacts and issues that the visitors may experience in the museum. The program closes with an opportunity for the audience to discuss and reflect on the stories.

 

 

Caitlin and Susan presented today, July 15, 2014.

Caitlin was twelve years old when her father, Thomas Langone, an officer with NYPD Emergency Services Unit Truck 10, was killed in the line of duty of 9/11. He was last seen on a 20th-floor stairway in the south tower. Caitlin's uncle, Pete Langone, an FDNY firefighter with Squad 252, was inside the North Tower at the time the building collapsed and killed. Their bodies were never recovered. Caitlin decided to share her story with the 9/11 Tribute Center to, "bring a personal connection to the events of 9/11 and help those who were not personally affected to understand the full, tragic loss the nation experienced. It makes the names on the memorial not mere words, but representative of living, breathing people who had families, hopes, dreams, and lives to live before they were snatched away." She describes her experience as 9/11 Tribute Center volunteer as "not only a way for me to heal, but to reciprocate the love and support that I and my family received in the days following the attacks."  

 

On 9/11, Susan's office was on the 92nd of the South Tower. Her harrowing account of escaping from the tower within fifteen minutes of its collapse is, ultimately, profoundly life affirming. "9/11 strengthened my belief that faith, love and hope can help me through the darkest hour," says Susan. She volunteers for the 9/11 Tribute Center, and shares her story to inspire others that they too can overcome life's most difficult obstacles.  

 

Judith Pucci hosts the program every Tuesday, she is also a 9/11 Tribute Center volunteer guide. Judith lives in lower Manhattan and witnessed the towers burn. Volunteering for the 9/11 Tribute Center is one of the most meaningful experiences of her life. "Talking with people about that day feels intimate and surprisingly life affirming," says Judith. "I think it reminds us all of how alike we are, and how much we need one another. I kind of fall in love with the people on my tours. I'm so touched by their caring and kindness." 

 

The 9/11 Tribute Center guides have over eight years of experience sharing their stories, as they provide daily tours on the 9/11 Memorial. These tours not only provide historic background and personal stories, they are designed to reflect upon the resilience of "those who were there."

Visitor comments:
"These stories are unforgettable and touch your heart."
"The stories made it so real; it felt like I was there."
"I was only 8 months old when this happened and now I understand how enormous this is."

The short stories transform history from something abstract and distant to something that is close to each listener's experience. A survivor shares their experience descending the staircase to safety; a firefighter that lost all of the men in his company shares his healing process; a 9/11 family member reveals their disbelief when their father does not return home; a first responder describes the challenge of working on the burning pile focused entirely on finding lost friends; the shock of a brother disappearing in the aftermath, and the power of healing when a community comes together is experienced throughout many of these stories.

Pictures of the program are available at tributewtc.org/press. 

 

 

About the 9/11 Tribute Center
The 9/11 Tribute Center is a visitor center opened in 2006 by the September 11th Families Association, a not-for-profit corporation. 9/11 Tribute Center offers visitors to the World Trade Center a place where they can connect with people from the 9/11 community: family members of lost loved ones, survivors, first responders and people who live and work in Lower Manhattan. Through walking tours, exhibits and programs, the 9/11 Tribute Center offers "Person to Person History," linking visitors who want to understand and appreciate the historic events with those who experienced them. Visitors learn factual information about the events, the identity of 2,973 people killed in the attacks, the unprecedented rescue and recovery operations and the tremendous spirit of support and generosity that arose after the attacks. Personal gallery and walking tour experiences are available for student and group visits. Learn more about 9/11 Tribute Center programs, visit www.tributewtc.org.

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