Today marks the 21st anniversary of September 11th. For many of us, that tragic morning felt like a line drawn in the sand. You remember what you were doing, where you were—and who you were—before it happened. Then, the world—and your view of it—changed forever. Now that we’re moms? The day, and anniversary, somehow seem to hold even greater significance. The children who lost parents in the attacks are no longer children, but young adults. A new documentary, Generation 9/11, features seven of the children who were born after their fathers died on September 11th, 2001. Our parent company, The Local Moms Network spoke to filmmaker and mom Liz Mermin about this fascinating—and simultaneously sad and hopeful—project.
The “Survivor Tree” 9/11 archway at the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is a place to go to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. According to the Bartlett, The “Survivor Tree” is a Bradford callery pear (Pyrus calleriana ‘Bradford’). It was found alive in the rubble in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Students from John Bowne High School in Flushing, Queens, took cuttings from the tree. 14 of them were planted in a memorial archway on the Arboretum property. The 16 foot x 12 foot x 8 foot archway is made of metal and bamboo, over which the 14 World Trade Center “Survivor Tree” offspring trees were trained to create a canopy tunnel.
There is also a 9/11 memorial at Fire Station #5 on Washington Boulevard in Stamford. It’s an 8 foot tall replica of the World Trade Center Towers. Next to them is a Remembrance Board with the names and photos of all the firefighters who lost their lives that day.
Information & Photo c/o The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens