From September 1 through December 31, the National Museum of Funeral History will showcase a special 9/11 15th Anniversary Memorial Exhibit, an extension of its 9/11 and Fallen Heroes Tribute permanent exhibit, to memorialize the men and women who lost their lives on 9/11 and pay tribute to the first responders who bravely served on that fateful September day, as well as the courageous men and women who have sacrificed their life on other occasions while “on the job” as firefighters and police officers.
September 11, 2001 was a heartbreaking day in our nation’s history. Innocent men and women lost their lives. The first responders, particularly members of Fire Department New York and the New York Police Department, did not turn away. Rushing into the World Trade Center to aid civilians, many lost their lives, while others who “survived” likely still suffer the physical and emotional burdens that were given them that day.
“Commemoration of these sorts of tragic events is an important component of the healing process after the loss of life,” stated Genevieve Keeney, president of the National Museum of Funeral History.
“The thought of teaching young people about the horror of 9/11 can seem a daunting task,” said Keeney. “The National Museum of Funeral History provides a safe and neutral environment to comfortably explore the sensitive topic of death and learn about various traditions and rituals practiced when someone dies.”
The special 9/11 15th Anniversary Memorial exhibit will showcase memorial books from funeral homes around the nation that were put out for people to express their condolences and grief for all of those who lost their lives following the 9/11 tragedy in 2001. This is the first time they have been seen by the public. The Museum will also have ashes from the grounds at the Twin Towers.
The Museum’s 9/11 and Fallen Heroes Tribute exhibit, a permanent exhibit on funerals of fallen first responders such as police and firefighters, often serves as a meaningful place to start a conversation regarding 9/11 or pay tribute to those who lost their lives on that tragic day or in other situations and circumstances.
As part of the museum’s permanent 9/11 and Fallen Heroes Tribute exhibit, museum visitors will see a custom-designed police officer casket, showcasing how a funeral for a police officer or even a firefighter who perishes in the line of duty, can be customized to pay tribute to their life and legacy. Also on display are two urns donated by the City of New York containing the ashes and debris remnants from Ground Zero in Manhattan.
The subject and poignancy of death and the horrific events that transpired on that day are treated with respect.
Entrance into the 9/11 15th Anniversary Memorial exhibit at the National Museum of Funeral History is included in the price of general admission to the museum. For more information, visit www.nmfh.org or call 281-876-3063.