Schedule of anniversary events New York City

New York City is beginning preparations for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The events of 9/11 forever changed New York City, and thousands are expected to come to lower Manhattan and elsewhere on Sept. 11 to pay their respects.

It is recommended that the public visiting this weekend use public transportation due to the high volumes of people expected to be in lower Manhattan. Give additional time for any commute in NYC as their will be high security and street closures. For a full list of street closures visit the NYC Department of Transportation website.

New York City will honor those lost in both September 11 and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing with events around the city including art exhibits, church services, and walking tours.

9/11 Remembrance Events
The New -York Historical Society will feature a special exhibition of photographs by both professional and amateur photographers. The exhibit begins on September 8 and is free and open to the public until Nov. 10, 2011.

Tribute WTC Tour:

This Tribute WTC Visitor Center will only be open to family members of victims on September 11. Before and after that date, the public will get an opportunity to connect and hear stories of those affected by 9/11 on a walking tour. The center is located on 120 Liberty St.

FDNY 10th Anniversary Memorial Service:

The New York City Fire Department will hold a memorial service on September 10, 2011 beginning at 2:00 PM at St. Patrick's Cathedral. At 1:00 p.m., active and retired fire fighters will line Fifth Avenue as families enter. 50th and 51st streets will be blocked to vehicles between Madison and Fifth Avenue.

Rethinking Memorial: Ten Interactive Sites for Remembering 9/11:

The Brooklyn Arts Council is creating an interactive arts project to remember the 10th anniversary on September 10, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Ten stations will be located walking distance apart beginning at the Pearl St. Triangle.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum:

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum will be open to the nearly 3,000 family members of victims of the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 bombing on September 11, 2011. It will then be open to the public the following day. Advanced timed passes are required for entry and can be reserved up to six months in advance online. The site will include two reflecting pools at the base of where the Twin Towers stood. The entrances to the site will be located on Albany and Greenwich St.

Tribute in Light:

A public arts show presented by the Municipal Art Society will display two blue light beams from dusk on September 11 until dawn the following day. The light show can be seen up to 60 miles away on a clear night. Check out the Municipal Art Society Website to find a good viewing spot.

Trinity Church:

Trinity Church, Wall Street is holding services all week long in remembrance. These "remember to love" events are based on reconciliation and peace on the decade anniversary of Sept 11. For a list of events at Trinity church visit their website http://www.trinitywallstreet.org

For more Sept. 11 remembrance events go to New York City's event calendar
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/210043/20110907/september-11-2011-new-york-city-schedule-of-events-911-memorial-road-closures.htm

First Reponders at Ground Zero not Covered For Cancer Treatment

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Ralph and Barbara Geidel have spent close to $100,000 on his medical treatment since 2003, when the former fireman and 9/11 first responder was first diagnosed with tongue and neck cancer.

"We've already used up all of our savings," said his wife, Barbara. "We're now living paycheck to paycheck."

The Geidels were hoping to finally get some health insurance help with their mounting medical bills, when President Obama earlier this year signed into law the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

The Zadroga Act, also known as the First Responders Bill, sets aside $1.5 billion in federal and New York City funds to cover all costs for treating certain 9/11-related illnesses, and $2.7 billion in compensation for victims who suffered economic hardship as a result of the attacks.

But the law hasn't done a thing for the Geidels when it comes to filling the health insurance gap, because cancer is not one of the medical conditions currently approved to be covered by the fund.

Illnesses that are eligible for full coverage include asthma, lung disease, chronic cough syndrome, laryngitis, sleep apnea, sinusitis, digestive disorders, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, which is administering the fund, there isn't enough scientific evidence linking cancer in first responders to their exposure to toxic substances from the 9/11 attacks.

The fund took effect on July 1, and since then it has received 86 applications, enrolled 25 people and paid out just over $1 million dollars in claims.

"This bill was rushed. It should have included coverage for cancer," said Barbara Geidel, expressing a view widely held by cancer stricken first responders and their families.

New research
A new study released Thursday by The Lancet medical journal examines the link between the incidence of cancer and exposure to 9/11 related substances, and seems to support her point.

It tracked 9,853 firefighters and found that those who were exposed to substances at Ground Zero are 19% more likely to develop cancer than firefighters who were not exposed.

Firefighters responding to 9/11 at increased cancer risk
Ralph Geidel, 54, retired from the FDNY in 1985 and moved to California to mine for gold. It was there that he met his wife Barbara. He returned to New York on Sept. 14, 2001, to rejoin his former unit Rescue Co. 1 and search for his brother Gary, also a firefighter who was in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11.

He's currently on a cross-country trip from California to Ground Zero on his Harley-Davidson, which is his way to honor his brother and find closure.

Ralph worked 36 straight hours when he first got to New York three days after 9/11, and then for months after that at Ground Zero.

Hounded by bill collectors
He has health insurance through the FDNY. But after his cancer diagnosis, he returned to California and was treated by specialists who were out of network and therefore not covered by his insurance.

That meant the Geidels had to pay much more out of pocket for Ralph's cancer treatments, including radiation and surgeries.

Although his doctors haven't clearly established the link between exposure to 9/11 toxins and his cancer, Barbara said one specialist did tell the couple that the toxins were probably what caused his type of cancer to show up at a much younger age than it typically does.

"His oncologist said this type of cancer is seen in a 60 -70 year old who's a heavy smoker and drinker," she said, adding that her husband was diagnosed at 44 and is neither a heavy drinker or smoker

Look, we're tired of begging for help. We're hounded by bill collectors. We're not asking for a handout. We're asking for a hand," said Barbara.

It's a different story for Chris Doran, 42, a first responder and former New York City police officer who called the Zadroga Act a huge relief.

In the 10 years since the terror attacks, Doran has suffered many sleepless nights thanks to his injuries and his medical bills.

But now, he says, "the government is paying for all of my therapy and medications."

Prior to the Zadroga Act, Doran was struggling to pay the steep out-of-pocket costs for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and a sinus condition so severe that it has required five sinus operations.

Companies in the Twin Towers: Before and after
"I went there on Sept. 14 but I didn't last very long," said Doran. After 14 hours at Ground Zero, his blood pressure shot up and he couldn't breathe.

He didn't return to Ground Zero after that. Three years later, Doran retired from the New York Police Department, moved to Texas and hasn't worked since.

Fortunately, Doran continued to get health insurance through the NYPD. But because his income dropped substantially after retiring, he too struggled to pay his out-of-pocket medical costs.

"I was paying $7,000 a year for medications. I had to file for bankruptcy," he said. Doran has also attempted suicide twice.

Under the Zadroga Act, all of Doran's medical costs will be paid for by the government because his illnesses are approved for coverage by the fund.

The bill isn't perfect, said John Feal, a first responder who founded the first responder advocacy group Feal Good Foundation in 2005, but at least it's a start.

"When this bill passed, my first words were 'This is good,'" he said. "But I give it a six out of 10."

Feal hopes that an amendment is made to the Act soon to cover cancer, and the agency has said it will continue to review its policy on cancer coverage as new research and findings are released. Such a review is expected early to mid-2012.

"These first responders are heroic people who are financially devastated because of their illnesses," he said.

First Published: September 2, 2011: 5:55 AM ET
http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/02/news/economy/911_health_insurance/index.htm

The French Will Never Forget 9/11 Towers Replica

Twin Towers replica in Paris for 9/11 anniversary
A replica of the Twin Towers destroyed in the September 11 attacks will be built on a square opposite the Eiffel Tower in Paris to mark the tenth anniversary of the atrocity, organisers said on Tuesday.

The Eiffel Tower itself will be illuminated by a special light show later the same day, "The French will never forget" group that is hosting a series of events next month said in a statement.

US ambassador to Paris Charles Rivkin will inaugurate the replica that will be constructed on Trocadero square, it said, adding that the 25-metre (82-foot) towers will bear the names of the people killed in the attacks.

"The French will never forget" was set up in 2003 by a group of French entrepreneurs living in the United States to try and ease the anti-French sentiment sparked by Paris's criticism of the US invasion of Iraq.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks, 2,753 at the World Trade Center and the others in attacks on the Pentagon and in a hijacked plane that crashed in Pennsylvania.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8731532/Twin-Towers-replica-in-Paris-for-911-anniversary.html

USS New York "Never Forget" to visit for 9/11 anniversayr

Associated Press
NEW YORK — A Navy ship built with steel from the World Trade Center will anchor off lower Manhattan for ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer announced Tuesday that the Navy has agreed to bring the USS New York to the state it was named after.

Schumer said the Navy's decision came after weeks of negotiations.

Schumer said in a letter to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus that it would be fitting for those who lost loved ones at the twin towers to be joined by the ship forged with steel from those towers.

The USS New York is an amphibious transport ship built with 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the trade center. The ship's motto is "Never Forget." It was commissioned in 2009.

—Copyright 2011 Associated Press
http://online.wsj.com/article/APd24ef5b9994c400f9be44c6da4be2319.html

2,500 Motorcycles Commemorate 9/11

The 10th annual ride, organized by America’s 911 Foundation Inc., began Thursday in Shanksville, Pa., and went past the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Friday. The riders are set to reach their destination at Ground Zero in Manhattan on Sunday morning — touching all three sites where planes crashed on Sept. 11, 2001.
The ride is tentatively scheduled to enter New Jersey from the Delaware Memorial Bridge shortly before 2 p.m. and arrive in the southern part of Middlesex County via Route 130 by mid-afternoon.
The ride will pass by Cranbury, South Brunswick and North Brunswick on Route 130 North before accessing Route 1 North. It will pass by New Brunswick, Highland Park, Edison, Woodbridge and Rahway before arriving in Linden about 4:30 to 5 p.m.
Police from several Central Jersey towns affected by the ride said their departments plan to have officers help with the traffic situation, which will require numerous intersections to be blocked off as the procession passes.
The ride also has its own official police escorts, who are conducting their own continual, rolling block-offs of intersections.
“We expect them to come here (in Woodbridge) between 3:30 and 4 p.m., and they said they would call our front desk and give us like a 15-minute heads-up,” Woodbridge Police Capt. Roy Hoppock said. “But that’s tentative. Anything could happen and they could be delayed. It’s not a big operation for us. We plan to have as many auxiliary officers out there as we can to monitor it until they get through.”
Linden Sgt. Don Geisheimer said Linden police will temporarily block off intersections along Route 1 as the motorcyclists arrive and travel into the parking lot at Aviation Plaza along Route 1 North, where there will be refreshments and a ceremony at the Applebee’s restaurant. Police also will close intersections as the caravan of riders leaves the city along Route 1, heading toward Elizabeth.
Geisheimer said the motorcycle run is well-organized, and the temporary closing of intersections shouldn’t be a major issue. While the riders are in the Aviation Plaza parking lot, he said, the intersections will be open.
“Local roads won’t be affected,” said Geisheimer who anticipates that it will take about 15 minutes to get all the riders into the lot, which will be closed off by the Applebee’s.
“It won’t be that long,” said Geisheimer, adding that the riders will travel at the 40 mph speed limit.
Rob Brining, 55, of Burlington is one of the volunteer road captains riding in the Sept. 11 event. It’s his sixth. “This is the biggest turnout we’ve had,” he said

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110820/NJNEWS/308190031/9-11-motorcycle-ride-hits-Central-Jersey-today.

CBS News 9/11 Anniversary Coverage

CBS News Schedules 6 Hours of Special Coverage on 9/11 AnniversaryBy Sunday, September 11, Scott Pelley will anchor CBS News coverage of the national memorial ceremonies for the 9/11 attacks from Ground Zero. “Face the Nation” will originate from Ground Zero immediately following the conclusion of scheduled events.

Both “The Early Show” and the “CBS Evening News” will also be live from Ground Zero beginning Friday, September 9. “60 Minutes” will also be entirely dedicated to 9/11 coverage on Sunday night at 7 pmET/PT, with a feature presentation of “9/11: Ten Years Later,” an updated version of the award-winning film CBS aired on the first and fifth anniversaries of the attacks, to follow.

Visit FishbowlNY, where New York TV and radio personalities reflect on 9/11/01 in our series “9/11: New York Remembers.”


CBS News Will Provide Extensive Coverage Beginning Sept. 9 - Sept. 11 On “The Early Show,” “CBS Evening News,” “Face The Nation,” “60 Minutes” and Across All Platforms Including: CBS Radio News, CBSNews.com, CBS Newspath and CBS News’ Polling and Survey Unit

On Sunday, Sept. 11, CBS Will Dedicate Six Hours of Coverage to Mark the Day, Highlighted by a CBS News Special, “9/11: America Remembers,” Anchored By Scott Pelley from Ground Zero, Beginning at 8:00 AM, ET (Check Local Listings)

CBS News announces division-wide coverage plans to mark 10 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States. CBS News will provide extensive coverage beginning Sept. 9 – Sept. 11 on THE EARLY SHOW, CBS EVENING NEWS, FACE THE NATION, 60 MINUTES and across all platforms, including CBS Radio News, CBSNews.com, CBS Newspath and CBS News’ Polling and Survey Unit.

Beginning Friday, Sept. 9, CBS News’ THE EARLY SHOW and the CBS EVENING NEWS will broadcast live from Ground Zero in New York City.



On Sunday, Sept. 11, six hours will be devoted to the coverage, beginning with a CBS News special 9/11: AMERICA REMEMBERS, anchored by Scott Pelley (8:00 AM, ET check local listings). Immediately following the coverage of the scheduled events, a special edition of FACE THE NATION will broadcast live from Ground Zero.



In addition, 60 MINUTES (7:00-8:00 PM, ET) will devote the entire broadcast to 9/11 coverage, which will be followed by CBS Television Network and filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet and James Hanlon’s presentation of “9/11: 10 YEARS LATER,” an update of the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning film, “9/11,” to be broadcast on CBS as a special presentation, Sunday, Sept. 11 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT).



CBS News’ coverage will include personal stories from survivors and family members of some of the victims, as well as reports from CBS News correspondents at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa.

CBS News’ division-wide programming highlights, beginning Sept. 9, will include the following:

Friday, September 9

• THE EARLY SHOW (7:00-9:00 AM, ET) will provide extensive coverage live from Ground Zero.

• Scott Pelley will anchor the CBS EVENING NEWS (6:30-7:00 PM, ET) from that location.

Saturday, September 10


• THE EARLY SHOW ON SATURDAY (Check Local Listings) will broadcast live from Ground Zero.

• CBS EVENING NEWS will broadcast live from Ground Zero (6:30-7:00 PM, ET).



Sunday, September 11



• Scott Pelley will anchor a CBS News special, 9/11: AMERICA REMEMBERS, live from Ground Zero, beginning at 8:00 AM, ET.



• Immediately following the coverage of the scheduled events, a special edition of FACE THE NATION will broadcast live from Ground Zero.
• 60 MINUTES (7:00-8:00 PM, ET) will devote the entire broadcast to 9/11 coverage.



• The CBS Television Network and filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet and James Hanlon will present “9/11: 10 YEARS LATER,” an update of the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning film, “9/11,” to be broadcast on CBS as a special presentation (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). For more on this special go to: http://www.cbspressexpress.com/div.php/cbs_entertainment/release?id=28857
• CBS Radio News will offer expanded programming and feature reports, including a five-part series, “Justice In a Time of Terror.” CBS Radio News will also present special short-form reports and long-form weekend roundup: “9/11: America Remembers,” as well as live anchored coverage of the events in NY, DC and PA.



• In addition to a live webcast of Sept. 11 events, CBSNews.com will provide archival footage of CBS News coverage of Sept. 11 and the weeks after, as well as original reports looking forward and back at the impact of the attacks.



• CBS Newspath, the network’s 24-hour news service to its owned stations and affiliates in the U. S. and around the globe, will provide live reports from Ground Zero beginning Friday, Sept. 9 through Monday, Sept. 12. Additionally, CBS Newspath will have a correspondent live at Ground Zero beginning at 5:00 AM, ET on Sept. 11.



• CBS News’ Polling & Survey Unit will present exclusive poll results and statistical analysis.

.MSNBC Announces 9/11 Anniversary Coverage Plans

On Thursday, September 1st at 9:00 PM/ET, MSNBC will debut 'Day of Destruction - Decade of War.'

The documentary draws from the unparalleled field experience of NBC News’ Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel and the distinct analysis and insight of MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow to take a broad look at the decade since September 11, 2001. The report explores how America responded to the attacks and how the country has changed. “Day of Destruction: Decade of War” will re-air in its entirety on September 9th, 10th and 11th. Produced by Peacock Productions.

Premiering on Saturday, September 10th at 3:00 PM/ET and re-airing on Sunday, September 11th at 9:00 PM/ET, MSNBC presents the riveting story of the 9/11 Commission hearings with “On Native Soil.”

"On Native Soil" captures the content of the 9/11 Commission's report while exposing new details, including interviews with witnesses who testified for the Commission behind closed doors. It is the story of a loose collection of ordinary Americans - united by their single-minded passion for answers - who challenged a bureaucracy and triumphed. “On Native Soil” is narrated by Kevin Costner and Hilary Swank.

On Sunday, September 11th from 8:00–11:00 AM/ET, MSNBC will simulcast the NBC special.

Later that evening on Sunday, September 11 at 8:00 PM/ET, “9/11: In Our Own Words” will air on MSNBC. In this unique documentary, NBC News anchors and correspondents recall their personal memories of reporting live the morning of September 11, 2001. Weaving together the live footage of that morning with present-day interviews, the special covers the first several hours of reporting as the terrorist attacks on America unfolded.

From Matt Lauer and Tom Brokaw in the NBC News studios in New York, to David Gregory with President Bush, Jim Miklaszewski at the Pentagon and Andrea Mitchell at the Washington Bureau – the NBC News team relives the developments and emotions of that fateful day. “9/11: In Our Own Words ” is an MSNBC original production and was produced for MSNBC by Peacock Productions.

http://www.newsonnews.net/msnbc/11181-msnbc-announces-9-11-anniversary-coverage-plans.html

FDNY Fire Fighters Release 9/11 Tribute Album fo Anniversary

As we prepare to mark the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, three veteran New York firefighters have released a moving tribute album -- Beyond The Call: A Musical Tribute to Courage, Honor & Sacrifice.

NYC firefighters Frank Pizarro and Regina Wilson -- both of whom were all the front lines that fateful day on September 11, 2001 -- joined forces with a friend, fellow firefighter Billy Arce, to create the musical group, Beyond The Call.

To mark the anniversary of the worst ever terrorist attack on U.S. soil, the three -- all of whom are accomplished singers -- decided to raise their voices in order to raise money to help those who keep our safe country, be it firefighters, military or first responders -- and their families.

New York Yankees legend-turned-musician Bernie Williams heard about the project and volunteered to play guitar for one of the songs on the CD -- Hallelujah.

RadarOnline.com had the honor of talking with Frank and Regina about their searing memories http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/08/new-york-firefighters-release-tribute-album-mark-911-anniversary

National Anti-Terror Campaign Launched Ahead of 9/11 Anniversary

As the 10-year anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks approaches, the Department of Homeland Security has launched a national television campaign to remind citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

The government agency announced the public-service campaign in a blog post Wednesday by Secretary Janet Napolitano. "As I've said in the past, hometown security is the key to homeland security," she wrote. "Time and again, we've seen terrorist attacks thwarted by alert individuals who notify authorities when something just doesn't seem right ... security is a shared responsibility and we all have a role to play."

The TV spots are inspired by a local campaign that began across New York subways and buses in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks. The Big Apple's Metropolitan Transit Authority owns the rights to the campaign idea -- and its memorable tagline, "If You See Something, Say Something" -- and has licensed that tagline to Homeland Security for its anti-terror and anti-crime efforts. The MTA's work has proved successful, and was credited with thwarting a potentially deadly attack in New York's Times Square last May.

In one of the national spots (watch below), a woman exits a cab at a train station only to walk in and drop off a bag unattended. With dark, thumping music in the background, the voiceover says: "Maybe you see something suspicious but you don't want to get involved. 'It's nothing,' you think. Can you be sure?"

Along with the TV spots, the the department is running two 30-second radio ads to help raise awareness; one takes place is a shopping mall setting and another at a sporting event.

It's unclear if the radio and TV ads were created internally or with the help of an agency; Homeland Security representatives didn't respond to a request for comment by press time.


While the ads don't reference the 9/11 attacks or other terror attempts specifically, it's clear the U.S. government is on heightened alert in the weeks before the 10th anniversary of the biggest terrorist attack on U.S. soil. The launch of the campaign comes just a day after President Barack Obama, in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, said he's especially concerned by the potential of a "lone-wolf" terrorist incident similar to the one that caused mayhem in Norway last month

http://adage.com/article/news/feds-launch-national-anti-terror-tv-campaign-ahead-9-11/229342/

NYPD Dedicated to Fighting Terrorism as 9/11 Anniversary Approaches

As we approach the 10th anniversary of the destruction of the World Trade Center, the question of New York's vulnerability to terror attacks is again in the forefront of public discussion.

While the NYPD's main focus has been and continues to be conventional crime fighting, we devote considerable resources to deterring another attack.

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, many thought another terrorist attack on New York was inevitable.

While the NYPD never subscribed to that notion, we knew that Al Qaeda and its adherents kept New York at the top of its target list and plotted feverishly to come back and kill New Yorkers.

There have been 13 plots against New York that have been thwarted by either the great work of our Federal partners, NYPD officers, just plain luck, or a combination of all three. They were:

-- Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's plot to take down the Brooklyn Bridge a year after the destruction of the World Trade Center was abandoned only after Al Qaeda operative Iyman Farris found security at the bridge made it too difficult to attack.

-- The December 2002 plot to disperse cyanide gas in the subway system. It was called off at the last minute by Iyman Zawahiri for what he said was "something bigger."

-- Al Qaeda's Al Hindi plotted against the New York Stock Exchange, Citigroup Headquarters in midtown Manhattan and the Prudential Center in New Jersey.

-- The Parachas, father and son, abetted Al Qaeda in what was ultimately believed to be a plan to use shipping containers to smuggle explosives -- possibly even a nuclear device -- into Manhattan's Garment District.

-- An undercover NYPD police officer helped disrupt a 2004 plot to bomb the Herald Square subway station by lone-wolf admirers of Al Qaeda.

-- Other Al Qaeda sympathizers plotted to bomb fuel storage tanks at JFK International Airport and blow up the Buckeye pipeline that transports jet fuel from New Jersey to JFK and LaGuardia via Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens.

-- The plot to flood Manhattan's financial district by simultaneously bombing the PATH subway and the retaining wall at the World Trade Center site.

-- A British-based plot to destroy seven commercial aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean or fly one or more of them into East Coast targets, including New York City.

-- A plot to bomb a Manhattan-bound LIRR commuter train was discussed at the highest levels of Al Qaeda operational leadership.

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-08-07/local/29878464_1_ahmed-ferhani-najibullah-zazi-plot

Firefighters Not Invited to Ground Zero on 9/11 Anniversary

Firefighters and other responders will be on the outside looking in when a ceremony is held marking the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks next month, according to The Daily News.

A city official told the newspaper that that the amount of space at the new memorial and security logistics have forced to city to schedule a separate ceremony for responders on a later date.

Family members of the nearly 3,000 killed in the attacks were invited, along with President Barrack Obama and former president George W. Bush.

"To have a separate service on another day has no significance, no meaning," David Jacobs, who volunteered at the site sifting debris, told the newspaper. "For many of us, we gave a lot at that site."

His childhood friend, a city firefighter, died in the attacks.

In previous years, responders were welcomed at the site, but little construction had begun and space wasn't an issue.

One construction worker told 1010 WINS that he believes they should be invited this year.

"I think that they should be allowed to go because too many of their brothers and sisters lost their lives and they should be the first ones that are included," he said. "They should make it happen. I'm sure there are going to be a lot of people here who shouldn't be here

An estimated 91,000 police, firefighters and other responders helped with the search and rescue efforts in the wake of the attacks

http://www.firehouse.com/news/911news/responders-not-invited-memorial-911-anniversary

First Responders Not Invited To 9/11 Anniversary Ground Zero Ceremony

First responders who were called to the World Trade Center site in the days and weeks following 9/11 will reportedly be on the outside looking in at next month's anniversary ceremony.

According to the Daily News, police officers, firefighters and rescue workers will not be invited to take part in the primary 10th anniversary ceremony activities.

Instead, they will be asked back at the site another day for a separate ceremony.

The News cites security and a lack of room as the reason of the decision.

The presence of President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush will create mounting security concerns.

Thousands of family members will also be on hand.

It's estimated as many as 91,000 people took part in the initial search and rescue at the World Trader Center site.

http://www.ny1.com/content/special_reports/911_a_decade_later/144997/report--first-responders-not-invited-to-9-11-anniversary-ceremony

“Ride of Valor” Launched to Honor Heroes of Flight 93

Shanksville, PA (PRWEB) August 11, 2011

“Ride of Valor”, a first-ever national effort to honor the 40 Heroes of Flight 93 through a series of community based motorcycle rides across the nation that also includes a unique opportunity to ride virtually online, has been formally launched with registration now available for all categories of participation at RideofValor.com.

Ride of Valor provides an opportunity for individuals to honor the heroism and sacrifice of the 40 passengers and crew of United Flight 93, who stopped a planned attack by terrorists on Washington, D.C., and most likely the U.S. Capitol building saving thousands of lives.

All Ride of Valor activities take place this Summer and Fall, on occasion of the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Proceeds from Ride of Valor benefit completion of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in conjunction with the National Park Foundation. First phase of the Memorial will be dedicated on September 10th.

“Anyone can be a part of Ride of Valor,” said Debby Borza, a principal Ride of Valor organizer and Mother of Flight 93 passenger Deora Bodley.

Motorcycle clubs, organizations, retail shops or any business can host a Ride of Valor for their community or area. Ride of Valor’s coordination team also supplies all materials and support required. “It’s truly easy, and we’re there to help every step of the way,” Borza added.

Ride of Valor also features a unique opportunity for those who don’t own a motorcycle or can’t participate in a ride, to ride from the comfort of their own home as ‘Spirit Riders’ for as little as $10, as
well as at symbolic levels of $40 and $93.

Hosts of rides also can make Ride of Valor a theme of any currently scheduled ride or event in their area. Organizers have encouraged local Ride of Valor hosts to partner with local civic and fraternal groups. Creating a Ride of Valor for a particular day, organizers say, provides maximum flexibility based on three types of rides:

Valor and Honor Ride: 40 riders (or valor bearers) wearing Vests of Valor, each displaying the name and image of a Flight 93 hero. Additional riders may display the official Flight 93 commemorative flag.

Honor Ride: Riders display Flight 93 flags.

Remembrance Ride: Riders don’t display Ride of Valor vests or the Flight 93 flag.



Ride of Valor also announced a “Motorcycle Club Challenge” that offers multiple prizes to be awarded that include recruitment of the most ‘Spirit Riders’ among its members, their families and friends.

All information related to Ride of Valor hosting and registration is available at http://www.RideofValor.com. On the website are tools and guidance for individuals creating Rides of Valor, as hosts, as well as means to initiate and track registrations in all categories, including as online “Spirit Riders.”

The story of the 40 heroes of Flight 93, as well as the planning for and progress of the Flight 93 National Memorial, may also be found through the Ride of Valor’s website. More information is also available at 855-ROV-INFO (855-768-4636); option 1 for general information, or via email at: info(at)rideofvalor(dot)com.

Spielberg Mini Series: Rebuilding Ground Zero to air Aug. 25

Discovery has set an Aug. 25 premiere date for its Steven Spielberg-executive produced miniseries Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero.The two-week television event will air commercial free starting at 8 p.m.

The miniseries will showcase the men and women determined to rebuild and restore the site of the World Trade Center and construction the new 104-story One World Trade Center.

The six-hour special will conclude Sept. 1 and run as a daylong marathon on Science Channel on Sunday, Sept. 11, starting at 5 p.m. to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Ground Zero Cross to be permanent artifact at 9/11 Museum

One of those artifacts, a cross-shaped steel beam found amid the rubble, has stirred controversy in recent days. American Atheists, a nonprofit group, filed a lawsuit arguing that the cross, which became a symbol of hope to many in the days after the attacks, violated the Constitution because it is a religious symbol and the museum is partly financed by the government.

Mr. Bloomberg, asked about the lawsuit, defended the cross, saying it was a part of history.

“In a museum you want to show things that impacted people’s behavior back then, even if you don’t think it was right,” he said. “Museums are for history.”

He noted that other religious artifacts would be displayed, including a Star of David cut from the steel of the towers, a Jewish prayer shawl and a Bible.

“A lot of people looked to religion for strength after the attack,” he said. “You shouldn’t tell people what religion to practice or whether to practice a religion, but you also shouldn’t prevent people from practicing any religion they want in any ways they want.”

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Presidents to Participate in 9/11 10th Anniversary Ceremony

MANHATTAN — President Barack Obama will join former President George W. Bush at the name-reading ceremony commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the September 11 attacks, marking the first time a president has participated in the event.

Speaking on his weekly radio show, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that both presidents will be reading poems to mark the solemn day.

"There are no speeches whatsoever," the mayor said. “This cannot be political. That’s why there’s a poem or a quote or something that each of the readers will read."

While both presidents have visited the site before, this is the first time either will participate in the ceremony, a spokeswoman for the mayor confirmed


The highest-ranked White House officials to have participated in the official ceremony in the past have been Vice President Joseph Biden, who was there in 2009 and 2010 and Vice President Dick Cheney, who was there for the 2003 ceremony, the mayor's office said.


While the ceremony has always included the reading of the names of those who died at Ground Zero during the attack, the names of those who died at the Pentagon as well as in the plane crash in Shanksville, Pa., will also be recited for the first time this year.

There will be moments of silence to mark when the planes hit and when the towers crumbled, as well as to commemorate the two additional attacks.

The presidents will be joined by a select group of officials including governors Andrew Cuomo, Chris Christie of New Jersey and George Pataki, who was governor at the time of the attacks.

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani will also participate, alongside Bloomberg.

“That’s it,” Bloomberg said.

"There’s an awful lot of people who would like to participate and you just can't do that."

In addition to the readings, the family members in attendance will be allowed to walk through the memorial plazas and look at their family members' names on the memorial wall.

The public will be allowed access the next day.



Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20110729/downtown/obama-bush-participate-911-anniversary-ceremony#ixzz1TW4wETZU

Military Channel Pays Tribute to U.S. Troops and Elite Forces With the 2011 NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PA

On the heels of a national victory in the war against terrorism and in honor of the approaching 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Military Channel joins nearly 300,000 Americans as they rally behind our troops at the American Veterans Center's 2011 NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE in Washington, DC. During the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, countless servicemen and -women made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and this year, thanks to the heroic actions of the Navy SEALs and other elite military forces, we focus more than ever on the true meaning of Memorial Day: honoring those who have fought bravely in defense of America's freedom and that of people around the world. THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE will air live on Monday, May 30 from 2-4 PM ET on the Military Channel.

"In a day and age when more and more of small town America opts to cancel local festivities, THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE remains not only the country's largest Memorial Day celebration, but a beacon of patriotic spirit reminding us that this day holds real significance for the men and women it intends to honor," said James C. Roberts, president of the American Veterans Center, the non-profit educational organization that founded the parade and is dedicated year-round to preserving and promoting the legacy of America's troops.

"It has never been more crucial for us to pause and thank veterans and active duty service members who have fought to preserve every American's liberties. Military Channel's live coverage of the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE provides a new opportunity for America to recognize its greatest heroes and memorialize those who have fallen in service to their country," said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager, Military Channel and Investigation Discovery.

As America approaches the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE will devote a very special segment to remembering the heroes of that day. The parade will also include a tribute to the Special Operations tactical teams that are currently leading the fight in Afghanistan, a commemoration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation, and recognitions of the 70th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War II and the 20th anniversary of the Gulf War. Special guests will include musical performers, celebrity veterans and supporters of the military, including Pat Sajak, Gary Sinise, Buzz Aldrin, and Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan. Hosts Major Garrett, Leeann Tweeden and Alyse Zwickwill call the action of THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE for Military Channel's viewers. Additionally school marching bands from across the country and military bands will provide patriotic music throughout the parade as they march through the streets of our nation's capital.

For more than 70 years, our nation's capital was without a parade on the Armed Services' most sacred day. In 2005, the American Veterans Center brought this tradition back to Washington by creating THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE. For additional information, please visit www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com.

FDNY: NEVER FORGET THE HEROES

By Tina Susman and Michael Muskal, Los Angeles Times

May 5, 2011, 9:27 a.m.
Reporting from New York and Los Angeles— President Obama on Thursday arrived on a mission of commemoration and compassion in New York, where he met with firefighters and will lay a wreath at the site of the fallen World Trade Center, brought down by Al Qaeda, whose leader, Osama bin Laden, was killed in a U.S. raid in Pakistan.

Obama, whose approval rating has bumped upward after Sunday's foray against the United States' most wanted fugitive, also will meet with relatives of some those killed in the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, and with some of the firefighters and police who were among the first responders when the plane struck the office towers in lower Manhattan. It is Obama's first visit to the site since becoming president, though he went there as a candidate.

Obama landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 10:39 a.m. EDT and was greeted by a crowd on the tarmac. He traveled by helicopter to Wall Street, where he arrived shortly after 11 a.m. Two fire trucks and two presidential limos were parked there. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was in office when the attack took place, was there as well.

President Obama first visited the "Pride of Midtown" Firehouse, Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9. The firehouse lost 15 on 9/11 — an entire shift and more than any other New York firehouse. The firefighters killed that day had 28 children. Photographs of the dead line the wall, accompanied by messages from their families.

"This is a symbolic site of the extraordinary sacrifice that was made on that terrible day almost 10 years ago," Obama told the firefighters and dignitaries. "Obviously, you can't bring back the friends you lost.

"You're always going to have a president and an administration who's got your back," he promised.

From the firehouse, the president headed to the World Trade Center where he was to place a wreath at a spot amid a grove of trees. One tree, a callery pear, survived the attacks. It was moved off the site and now has been returned. Obama will place his wreath on a spot that sits in the shadow of the famous tree.

Buildings in various states of construction surround the plaza, which is in a large square carved into the ground that is the footprint of what used to be the South Tower of the trade center. When the site is finished, the square and another one where the North Tower used to stand will be filled with water to create reflecting pools.

En route to New York, press secretary Jay Carney said the visit was designed to be a cathartic moment.

"The president believes it's appropriate and fitting to travel to New York this week in the wake of the successful mission to bring Osama bin Laden to justice in order to recognize the terrible loss that New York suffered on 9/11 and to acknowledge the burden that families of the victims and the loved ones of the victims have been carrying with them since 9/11, almost 10 years," Carney told reporters on Air Force One. It is "an effort to perhaps help New Yorkers and Americans everywhere to achieve a sense of closure."

By 9 a.m., more than four hours before the president's scheduled arrival at the site known as ground zero, the area was choked with police, tourists and fans waving American flags, chanting, "Obama got Osama!" Irritated commuters pushed through the crowds.

"I think it's a great thing for America but also a great thing for all free nations," said Mark Harrington, a tourist from Adelaide, Australia, as he took pictures of a small group of locals clad in red, white and blue top hats and coats, shouting, "God bless America" and "God bless the Navy SEALs" and sentiments such as, "It shows that we'll track you down, no matter where you hide. It may take 10 years, but we'll get you."

Behind him, across a narrow street lined with metal security gates erected by police, cranes loomed hundreds of feet into the sky from the hole where the World Trade Center once stood. Developers are rushing to make progress at the site, which remains a massive construction zone, before the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

The site was a scene of tragedy but also marked a high point of the presidency of George W. Bush, when he stood amid the rubble, calling for national unity and promising the world that the United States would bring Bin Laden to justice for the destruction and the deaths of nearly 3,000 people in New York. Obama had invited Bush to appear with him in New York, but the former president, who tries to keep out of the limelight, begged off.

New York Sen. Charles Schumer said the president's visit, which will include a private meeting with victims' families after the wreath-laying, was an important way of helping the relatives, many of whom are bitter about the decision to bury Bin Laden at sea and some of the plans for the memorial museum that include unidentified remains, such as bone chips.

"It says to the families who lost loved ones we will never ever forget you," Schumer said.

Deanne Mcdonald of Brooklyn agreed. She said she had come to the area outside ground zero early Thursday to show her support for Obama and the families.

"The lost souls ... are rejoicing in heaven," she said of the victims. "They are so happy that mission was accomplished."

That feeling of elation has been a constant thread throughout political discussions since Obama announced in a Sunday night speech to the nation that Bin Laden had been killed in a raid by U.S. forces. Polls also show that Americans credit the military and intelligence communities for the success of the raid.

Obama has gained, according to all polls, though the degree of improved approval varies. Polls showed that Americans saw Obama as a good leader and effective on national security issues, though there were still sizable worries about the economy and related economic issues. Most observers had expected Obama to receive a bump in popularity, but it was unclear how long it would last as the 2012 presidential cycle heated up.

Obama came to New York after deciding not to release photographs of Bin Laden after he was shot.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked jets and flew two of them into the World Trade Center's twin towers. A third plane slammed into the Pentagon. Officials believe a fourth plane had been heading for Washington when passengers fought to reclaim the craft and it crashed in Pennsylvania.

tina.susman@latimes.com

michael.muskal@latimes.com

Central Florida Ballet "9/11: An American Moment."

Central Florida Ballet commemorates the 10^th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States with a performance of its ballet, "9/11: An American Moment." Created in 2006, the performance pays tribute to the heroes and survivors of the attacks. In 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives recognized the production, which celebrates American courage, resolve and pride.

MORE INFO: centralfloridaballet.com

Westport (MA) Fire Department to retrieve steel beam from 9/11

WESTPORT — A steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Center will become part of the new fire station as a permanent memorial to those killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

Fire Chief Brian Legendre said he received official notification Wednesday that the department's request for the steel was approved and is ready for pickup.

"We knew when we went to (New York City) following the attacks that we were watching history unfold before us," Legendre said in a statement. "Now we are bringing a part of that history back to Westport as a reminder for everyone to see and touch."

Plans call for members of the Fire Department to make a pilgrimage March 10 to New York City to retrieve the 435-pound steel I-beam and escort it back to Westport.

Eighteen months ago, Westport submitted a formal request to the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey for one of the beams. Distribution of artifacts from the trade center building began recently, according to Nancy Johnson, manager of the WTC Artifacts Program. Johnson said the goal is to distribute 1,000 pieces of steel before the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks later this year.

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110218/NEWS/102180315/-1/NEWS06