The MEMO Blog

With an eye on Arab-American History Month, we're sharing the story of Aziz Ahsan, whose quick errand on the morning of attacks was ultimately woven into the fabric of the 9/11 narrative and came to symbolize the spirit of unity that helped us all through. 
 

On September 11, 2001, passengers and crew boarded United Flight 93 via Jetway 17 at Newark International Airport. Preserving that 85-foot structure meant preserving their last steps  between ground and aircraft. But sorting out the logistics of removing, transporting, and housing the it was no small feat.

Meet native New Yorker Freida Rothman, who honors 9/11 — and the strong women in her life — through iconic jewelry designs. 

Flight attendant CeeCee Lyles began her career as a police officer in Florida before turning to the airline industry to satisfy her love of travel. The morning of 9/11, as a flight attendant on Flight 93, the skills she mastered in law enforcement - most notably the ability to remain calm in crisis - likely saved hundreds on the ground. 

Jessica DuLong became the John J. Harvey's first engineer In April 2001; she had never considered working in the engine room of a boat, but fell in love with it after a single day of volunteering. Just five months later, her new-found passion and the John J. Harvey would put her at the center of the World Trade Center rescue efforts.  

A long-missing portrait of September 11 victim Albert Ogletree is installed in the Wall of Faces after years of searching, thanks to the efforts of a curious and industrious Museum Services staff member. 

Our Women's History Month series continues, highlighting women of the 9/11 community and their contributions. Today's installment features Bridget Gormley, whose father Bill Gormley died from a 9/11-related cancer and inspired her to advocate for the thousands who had been exposed to dangerous toxins at Ground Zero. 

A glass plaque from the Sino-American Friendship Folk Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China, has made its way halfway around the world and arrived as a gift to the Museum commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Inscribed on it is a Chinese poem paying homage to the resilience and spirit of New Yorkers and the American people as a whole in response to the attacks. 

Throughout Women's History Month, we're spotlighting the stories and contributions of women in the 9/11 community. Today's blog features pioneering FDNY firefighter Regina Wilson, for whom a simple favor reshaped fate. 

With the 29th anniversary of the 1993 attack fresh in our minds and the Yankees' first spring training game set for today, a recently acquired piece of ephemera is infused with new meaning and captures the true spirit of New Yorkers.