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9/11 Families’ Association Opens Tribute Center
LDRNY Partner marks bittersweet event with Pataki, Bloomberg
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Conceived in 2004 in LDRNY’s offices at 22 Cortlandt Street, the long-awaited Tribute Center is now open to the public.
The September 11th Families Association, an LDRNY partner, planned the Center to offer first-person accounts of the attacks of 1993 and 2001 and the subsequent recovery efforts by those who were there-- responders, survivors, and those who lost loved ones-- while offering a place for reflection and education. The Tribute Center will also serve as an interim memorial, affording guests a place to pay their respects while the World Trade Center memorial is being built.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks at the Tribute Center as Gov. George Pataki listens |
September 11 Families Association President Jennifer Adams addresses the press at Ground Zero
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Among the Tribute Center’s 120 docents, or guides, are LDRNY Deputy Coordinator Pr. Tom Taylor and Koinonia NYC’s Pr. Ann Tiemeyer. Since September 2005, when walking tours began, over 15,000 people have participated. Now, those visitors have a chance to view exhibits and artifacts from the site, as well.
Lee Ielpi, one of the Center’s founding members, lost his son Jonathan on 9/11. “I know that sharing my story and the story of the search for all those who were lost helps people feel the personal impact of this disaster. We speak of pain, but also of the courage of those who came to our aid and our commitment to insure future generations will never forget what happened here.”
Pr. Tom Taylor, right, with Lee Ielpi at the Tribute Center's scale model of the Twin Towers
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Pr. Taylor's portrait in the downstairs gallery, which showcases several docents
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New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg added “This is clearly an example of how an exceptionally dedicated group – with limited resources, passionate hearts, and a strong will – can make a big impact on our city.”
The Tribute Center is located at 120 Liberty Street, on the south side of Ground Zero. Open daily, there is a $10 suggested donation. For more information and to find out how you can volunteer, visit their website.
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