In Memory of Kenneth Tietjen

Kenneth Tietjen was 31 years old and from Matawan, New Jersey.

On September 11, 2001, Kenneth was working his job on the PATH trains when he heard of the attacks. He immediately rushed into Manhattan to help, first commandeering a cab, then hopping an emergency vehicle.

Kenneth led workers, some of them badly burned, from the North Tower before grabbing the last air pack in sight and entering the South Tower.

"He waved to his partner and went in," his mother said.

 Minutes later the tower collapsed.

"He loved everything - life, sports, people, his job. Every day was another project for him. He was a lovable person with many, many friends. And I know it sounds corny, but he was a really good kid. He was born on the Fourth of July. He was a hero."


"I'm still very much in love with Kenny," Kenneth's fiancé said, who still wears, as a pendant, the wedding band they bought on September. 6, 2001, for their planned marriage. "I'm not dating, but I feel very complete now," she said. "I've found some measure of peace. I can laugh now. I couldn't for so long."

In Memory of Marianne MacFarlane

Marianne MacFarlane was 34 years old and from Revere, Massachusetts. Marianne died on September 11, 2001, on United Flight 175 bound for Las Vegas from Boston.

Marianne was a United Airlines gate agent. Marianne was on United Flight 175 for a mini-vacation in Las Vegas. Her mother, Anne MacFarlane, a Logan public service representative and former flight attendant, described Marianne as "everybody's friend."

Marianne worked the 4:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift and would rise at 4:05 to find her mother waiting downstairs to drive her to work. Although she usually tossed an "I'll see ya" over her shoulder, on September 11, 2001, Marianne said "goodbye" as her mother dropped her off at Terminal C. Her mother almost stopped the car to ask, "Why `goodbye'?"

Back at home, Marianne's mother turned on the television as a commentator spoke of the horror unfolding in New York City. Anne watched as her only daughter was murdered. While she didn't know at the time that Marianne was on the plane, an unease grew. Anne at first waited at home with her sons for some piece of news, but then felt an urge to go to the airport. She needed to know. United Airlines employees were gathered around the ticket counter. When they saw her approach, some began to cry.

In Memory of Maurita Tam

Maurita Tam was 22 years old and from New York, NY. Maurita worked for Aon Corporation on the 99th floor in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

Maurita's uncle, Wai-ching Chung, also died in the attack. Mr. Chung was waiting in Manhattan for a shuttle bus to take him to his job in New Jersey when he was hit with falling debris.

Three years later, Maurita's mother was informed that her daughter's purse had been found. She said, "To compare with those families with nothing left from their loved ones, I was thankful".

Maurita described herself best. "I'm awesome!" she would shout, dissolving into giggles.

Maurita's student website, which her college has preserved.