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Dear ,
The Tribute WTC Visitor Center and the September 11th Families' Association extends our warmest Thanksgiving wishes to all of our supporters. We are so grateful to all of you.
If you are finding the holiday season difficult, tips for coping are
Best Wishes,
The Tribute Family
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Veterans Share Stories at Tribute Center
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On Wednesday, November 9 at 6:30 pm, the Tribute WTC Visitor Center and the NYU Military Alliance presented a program in recognition of Veteran's Day, Soldiers' Stories from the Front, An Evening of Veterans Reading Their Writing. Most of the writers were young veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and they read work they have written while participating in the NYU Creative Writing Programs' Veterans Writing Workshop. Readings included fiction, non-fiction and poetry. The goal of the workshop was to offer veterans an opportunity to express themselves on paper, to cultivate a voice with which to bear witness and tell their stories, to be heard, and to record their experiences in combat and afterward. What happened? What stories do they have to share? What did they see and how did they feel? How have their combat experiences impacted them? How have they been changed by war?
The Tribute WTC Visitor Center originated this program in 2010 in tribute to the members of the military who have served since 2001. Many members of the military visit the Tribute WTC Visitor Center throughout the year, and numbers of them have stated that they enlisted in the armed services because of 9/11. This program provides an opportunity to better understand their personal stories of their experiences both overseas and at home.
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Teachers Reflect on Tribute Visitor Center
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Milford Teachers were asked "What did you learn today that you hadn't thought about before and that might be useful in teaching 9/11 in your classroom?"
"The one thing I came away with is the power of actually being there and [being able] to listen to first hand commentaries. I sensed the pride that people have of the World Trade Centers, the people and the unity, especially with Lee Ielpi. If he can do this for his son Jonathan every day, we can surely find a way to keep this "history" in the forefront to remind and teach us everyday about the power of humans to overcome such tragedy. It is truly an inspiration - Lee Ielpi brings us hope and lessons of humanity. What a powerful message. The power to move forward but to never forget. The power against terrorism and fear is education. Thank you."
"When we say numbers like 2980 people killed it still doesn't impact our students. However when I saw the pictures, the artifacts and heard the personal stories, I was changed. When I teach this I will incorporate these primary sources to help make it seem more 'real' to my students."
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World Trade Center Dust Cloud
Harmful to Blood Vessels
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Doctors Mary Ann McLaughlin and Venkatesh Mani of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine presented a new study at the American Heart Association's annual meeting on November 15, 2011.
Their research with September 11th first responders shows that those who were exposed to the dust cloud emanating from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 may have increased risk for atherosclerosis, blood vessel wall damage and heart disease.
One of the doctors attending the conference said the damage shown was similar to "many years of cigarette smoking compressed over time."
Until the study is published in a journal, it must be considered preliminary, but this is valuable new research in the field of healthcare for those exposed to the toxins resulting from the attacks.
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United Nations Focus on Victims of Terrorism
| On November 22, 2011, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released a new report "The Criminal Justice Response to Support Victims of Acts of Terrorism." The release of the report was highlighted by a panel discussion at the UN which featured comments by Robert C. Orr, Assistant Secretary General for Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination, Yury Fedotov, the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Ambassador Juan Pablo de Laglesia of Spain, Fernando Alzate of Colombia, Carie Lemack, a 9/11 family member, and the actress Mira Sorvino.
The speakers highlighted the fact that while in the past the UN has looked at law enforcement responses to terrorism, now there is an additional focus on the victims of terrorism. They are interested in hearing the victims' testimonies, and interested in the work of organizations who advocate for the victims. Carie Lemack talked about her work with the Global Survivors Network which encourages victims of terrorism in different countries to address their situation in ways that are culturally appropriate. Jennifer Adams and Lee Ielpi, co-founders of Tribute, spoke from the audience about the mission of the Tribute Center to empower victims to have a voice. Lee Ielpi emphasized how education and the voice from victims can send a powerful message.
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The September 11th Widows and
Victims Families' Association, Inc., a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization,
supports victims of terrorism and their families through education,
communication and peer support.
The Tribute WTC Visitor
Center, a program of the
Association, connects and educates visitors with personal experiences of
terrorism. Programs, exhibitions, and tours lead by volunteers who experienced
the effects of terrorism first hand convey personal and varied perspectives and
inspirational acts of generosity. Programs inspire understanding and compassion
among cultures.
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Ways you can help
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Donate now to keep our programs growing strong. Encourage your friends and family to visit the
Join us and become a member of the Tribute WTC Visitor Center,
Keep in Touch Share your pictures and thoughts with us and our online community! 
Visit co-founder Lee Ielpi's blog
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Donate Now
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Donate now to support the Tribute WTC Visitor Center and educational programming
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9/11 Memorial
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Click here for more information
on how to access the
9/11 Memorial plaza.
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| Tribute and
Gray Line
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| The Tribute WTC Visitor Center has been included in a new Gray Line New York Sightseeing package: "FREESTYLE NEW YORK" double decker bus tour.
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