09/11/2026
Twenty-five years later, we remember.
Nearly fifteen years ago, I visited NYC. I'm from Philadelphia and brought my husband and 1 year old daughter "back home" for Christmas. I took these photos of the FDNY Memorial Wall on the side of Engine 10/Ladder 10, dubbed the “Ten House”. It's directly across from the World Trade Center site in New York City.
This massive 56-foot bronze bas-relief was created to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who died on September 11, 2001. The artwork tells the story of that day and the rescue and recovery that followed, while the names of the fallen are preserved beneath it.
What struck me most was the inscription:
“Dedicated to those who fell and to those who carry on.
May we never forget.”
Today, that feels profoundly meaningful. We remember the firefighters and first responders who ran toward danger. We remember the thousands of victims whose lives were taken that day. We remember the survivors and the families who were left behind. We remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, construction workers, volunteers, and countless others who spent months at Ground Zero searching, rescuing, recovering, and cleaning up; many of whom became sick from the toxic dust and contaminants they were exposed to, and far too many who have since lost their lives to 9/11-related illnesses. We remember those who carried on, even as the physical and emotional consequences of that day followed them for decades.
This is more than a memorial. It is an extraordinary work of art—and a lasting reminder of courage, sacrifice, resilience and the very best of humanity.
May we never forget. 🇺🇸
-Natalie
