American Red Cross in Greater New York - Chapter Assists Families, Friends, and Honor Contingents at 9-11 Remembrance Ceremonies

Ten of the 96 Red Cross volunteers and employees who offered comfort and compassion, along with water, snacks, ponchos, tissues and other items to families and friends, as well as to first responders, who attended memorial ceremonies marking the sixth anniversary of 9-11 at Zuccotti Park, adjacent to Ground Zero. (Photo: Larry Geiger)

On an overcast, rainy day, the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) provided comfort and caring to the grieving families and friends of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, at twelve aid stations situated around the site of Tuesday's memorial ceremonies at Zuccotti Park, near Ground Zero.

Eighty-three Red Cross volunteers and 13 employees provided water, snacks, ponchos, tissues and other items to those in attendance, including honorary contingents from the New York City Fire and Police Departments, personnel from other local services and agencies, and honorary contingents from elsewhere in the U.S. and overseas. Red Cross workers with expertise in logistics, mass care and mental health were all well represented.

Three Red Cross volunteers pause in their preparations for the day ahead outside the Trinity Church cemetery across from Ground Zero.
(Photo: Larry Geiger)

In cooperation with Disaster Chaplaincy Services, ARC/GNY also offered mental health counseling for the victims" families and friends.

Thirteen Red Cross volunteers and employees who responded to the attacks in 2001 and who continue to provide assistance during each annual remembrance ceremony were among those honored by being chosen to read the names of those who lost their lives. Chris Abatte, Luis Avila, Mike Emmerman, Reinaldine Fleury, Max Green, Sheryl Miller, Mike Mondello, Sally Phipps, Diane Reiners, Virginia Stern, Terry Tolk, Mary Tramontin and Katey Walsh. "I felt privileged,” said Reinaldine Fleury, “to have been entrusted to read the names of the 9/11 victims.”

Queens

A Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) participated in a motorcade in Northeast Queens, driving through 16 streets named after first responders who died in the World Trade Center attack. This annual commemoration is coordinated by New York City Councilman Tony Avella.

Staten Island

Staten Island Disaster Action Team (DAT) members Ellen Abbate, Charles DeStefano and Tom Manno, along with other Red Cross volunteers, represented ARCG/NY at the 9/11 Memorial Service on Staten Island.

More photos below:

Red Cross volunteer relief workers at the main Red Cross service area near Ground Zero. (Photo: Larry Geiger)

A group of Red Cross relief workers with the bottles of water they would soon hand out during the day’s ceremonies.
(Photo: Larry Geiger)

Relief workers near the family check-in location getting ready to transport water around the memorial site. (Photo: Larry Geiger)

Fawn Jordan, ARC/GNY Coordinator, Disaster Staffing and Barry Watkins, Bronx DAT member and manager of the main Chapter relief center, spent the day helping those marking the 6th anniversary of the attacks. (Photo: Larry Geiger)