America Remembers

Twin Towers of light will rise over Manhattan as America marks 14th anniversary of 9/11

A name-reading ceremony will be held at Memorial Plaza in Manhattan Thursday morning, punctuated by six moments of silence. This year, the Memorial Plaza will be open to the public on September 11 from 6am until midnight. Tribute in Light will illuminate the skies over the Financial District from sunset to early Friday morning. A ceremony of remembrance will take place at Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Relatives of those who perished in Pentagon will take part in private memorial attended by President Obama.

Two blue columns of light representing the devastated World Trade Center illuminated the skies over Lower Manhattan Wednesday night – a vivid tribute to the nearly 3,000 slain innocents - as the United Stated prepared to mark the 13th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Like every year, relatives of victims will come together at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza for a somber name-reading ceremony honoring every one of the people who perished in the attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and inside the plane that crashed in rural Pennsylvania.

During the ceremony, six moments of silence will be observed marking the strikes on the towers, and the Pentagon, the collapse of the skyscrapers and the time Flight 93 went down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

In Memory of Daniel Mark Lewin. The first victim of 9/11.

Daniel Mark Lewin was 31 years old and from Denver, Colorado. Daniel was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11.

On September 11, 2001, Daniel was traveling on American Airlines Flight 11, heading from Boston to Los Angeles. He was seated in business class in seat 9B, close to 3 hijackers Mohamed Atta, Abdulaziz al-Omari and al Suqami. It was first reported that he had been shot by al Suqami, although this assertion was later changed to a stabbing. According to the 9/11 Commission, he was stabbed by one of the hijackers, probably Satam al Suqami, who was seated directly behind him. This may have occurred when Daniel tried to confront one of the hijackers in front of him, not realising that al Suqami was sitting just behind him.

Daniel was identified as the first victim of the September 11 attacks.

In Memory of Daniel John Lee

Daniel John Lee was 34 years old and from Van Nuys, California. Danny was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11.

On September 11, 2001, Danny was determined to be at his wife's side when she gave birth to their second child. The roadie for the Backstreet Boys had permission to peel away from the band's tour, and after a long night breaking down the stage in Boston, he caught the first flight home to Los Angeles the next morning.

Two days later Danny's wife, Kellie, gave birth to a healthy baby girl. She gave her the first name the couple had picked out together, Allison. But Kellie gave her a different middle name, Danielle, to honor her late husband.

In Memory of Karen Ann Martin

Karen Ann Martin was 40 years old and from Danvers, Massachusetts. Karen was the lead flight attendant on the American Airlines Flight 11.

In 1989, Karen became an American Airlines flight attendant and, jumping up onto a chair, proclaimed to her friends: "There is now something special in the air!"

On September 11, 2001, Karen became the first victim of the attacks. She was brutally attacked on the plane for the keys to the cockpit, which were in her possession.

Karen was not married but was known as 'Aunt Karen' to her friends kids. When asked about her safety as a Flight Attendant, Karen said, "I love my job and whatever happens, happens. I love my job." Karen's aunt, Joan Greener, recalls, "She loved people, but wasn't intimidated by people, and I know she didn't go down without a fight."

In Memory of Rosa Maria Feliciano

Rosa Maria Feliciano was 30 years old and from New York, NY. Rosa worked for Marsh & McLennan on the 96th floor in North Tower of the World Trade Center.

On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower, impacting between the 93rd and 99th floors.

Rosa's husband, Isaac, was at work as a groundskeeper at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. Issac watched the World Trade Center burn and collapse.

Isaac was accepting his loss, raising his two daughters as a single parent and struggling to get life back together. His family held a memorial service for Rosa, convinced her remains would never be found. But in January 2002, there was a proper burial at after the medical examiner identified her.

Rosa was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery, beneath a simple headstone. Issac tends her grave as part of his job.

And then in 2005, just before Mother's Day, more of Rosa's remains were identified.

"You start to wonder, why wasn't it me instead of her?" Issac says. "You feel guilty about something you did or didn't do."

In Memory of Paul Ortiz, Jr.

Paul Ortiz, Jr. was 21 years old and from New York, NY.

On September 11, 2001, Paul had been on the top floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center, setting up monitors and computers for a convention at the Windows on the World restaurant.

Moments after American Airlines Flight 11 hit the tower, Paul called his father to say he was fine.

Paul Ortiz, Sr. remembers the conversation. "He asked, 'Dad, did you hear what happened? A plane hit the World Trade Center'. And I said, 'how do you know?' "Because I'm here,' he said." Ortiz Sr. said his son told him not to worry, that firefighters were on their way. That was the last time they spoke. "I was sure he had managed to get out. We waited, waited and waited, and we never saw him again. I now understand that he never had a chance," he said.

Paul's body was never identified.

Paul was devoted to his wife, Star, and their infant daughter, Rebecca.

"Hi. As you may know, I was once married to this wonderful man. He sure was a gift from god. I can't explain to everyone of you how much this man meant to me. He is my world and my love. Even though i've moved on, he still remains in my heart. It's like that saying, "You never know what you have till you've lost it." Star (Paul's wife)

In Memory of Lisa Fenn Gordenstein

Lisa Fenn Gordenstein was 41 years old and from Needham, Massachusetts. (Born: Boston, Massachusetts). Lisa was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Lisa awoke early to leave for the airport. Lisa was traveling on business on American Airlines Flight 11. But before she left her home, at 5 am, she insisted on waking her two daughters, Samantha and Carly, and kissing them goodbye. "Thank God she did," her husband said.

At 08:46 the aircraft crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

The night before, Lisa's husband found a note that his wife had slipped under his office door. It was a poem about maintaining a positive attitude no matter what happens in life.

In Memory of Madeline Amy Sweeney

Madeline Amy Sweeney (known as Amy Sweeney), was 34 years old and from Acton, Massachusetts. (Born: Valley Stream, New York). Amy worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines Flight 11.

On September 11, 2001, Amy was asked by American Airlines to take an extra shift, because the other crew member who was assigned to the position was ill. Normally, she would only work on weekends.

During the hijacking of American Airlines Flight 11, Amy used an airphone to call American Airlines flight operations center. During the call Amy reported that two flight attendants, the pilots, and a first class passenger had been stabbed. She reported that the hijackers had jammed their way into the cockpit and that there was mace in the first class cabin, and how they struggled to breathe. She also stated that the cockpit was not answering their phone. During the last minutes of the call, she said that the aircraft was flying erratically and that they were descending very rapidly.

As she looked out of a window, Amy's final words were, "I see water. I see buildings. I see buildings! We are flying low. We are flying very, very low. We are flying way too low. Oh my God we are flying way too low. Oh my God!"


Amy's name inscribed on Panel N-74 of the National September 11 Memorial's North Pool

In Memory of Thomas F. McGuinness, Jr.

Thomas McGuinness was 42 years old and from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Thomas, a former Navy fighter pilot was the co-pilot and first officer on American Airlines Flight 11.


The names of John A Ogonowski, Thomas F. McGuinness, Betty Ann Ong, and other 9/11 victims from American Airlines Flight 11, inscribed on bronze panel N-74 of the North Pool of the National September 11 Memorial

In Memory of Rahma Salie and her unborn child

Rahma Salie was 28 years old and from Boston, Massachusetts. Rahma was a passenger aboard American Airlines Flight 11. Rahma was 7 months pregnant, and traveling with her husband, Michael Theodoridis, 32.

She and her husband, and their unborn baby died on 9/11, when Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. They were Muslim

Rahma's mother, Haleema, said, "I would like everyone to know that she was a Muslim, she is a Muslim and we are victims too, of this tragic incident."

In Memory of Jeanette Louise Lafond-Menichinoi

Jeanette Louise Lafond-Menichinoi was 49 years old and from New York, N.Y. Jeanette worked for Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc on the 94th floor of the North Tower at the World Trade Center

Jeanette was also a serious part-time artist who was inspired by the view from her office high in the north tower. Jeanette took photographs of the view from her office, her mother says, and used them in her own landscape paintings.

"The clouds would come right up to her window, and sometimes there were rain clouds, and you could actually see the rainfall. And if you looked above the clouds, it was completely clear. And when the airplanes and helicopters passed by, you could actually see in the compartments." Dina LaFond.

On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc offices spanned the entire impact zone, from floors 93 to 99. No one present in the offices at the time survived the attack, and the firm lost 295 employees and 63 contractors.

In Memory of Betsy Martinez

Betsy Martinez was 33 years old and from New York, N.Y. Betsy worked as an accounts manager for Cantor Fitzgerald in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

On September 11, 2001, Betsy was somewhere between the 101st and 105th floors of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the northern facade of Tower. The aircraft, traveling at about 404 knots (465 mph; 748 km/h) and carrying about 10,000 U.S. gallons (38,000 L) of jet fuel, hit between the 93rd and 99th floors.

The damage caused to the North Tower destroyed any means of escape at the impact zone or above it. All stairwells and elevators from the 92nd floor up were rendered impassable, trapping 1,344 people.

In Memory of Christine Johnna Barbuto

Christine Johnna Barbuto was 32 years old and from Brookline, Massachusetts, (Born: Winchester, Massachusetts). Christine was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11.

At 8.46am on September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the northern facade of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Christine Johnna Barbuto Memorial Website

In Memory of Yelena Melnichenko

Yelena Melnichenko was 28 years old and from Brooklyn, N.Y. (Born: Vilnus, Lithuania). Yelena worked for Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. on the 96th floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

"Your mother, Nina Gavriusina, died on 2008.03.02. Her heart stopped after more than a year of struggle with a brain tumor and two successful surgeries. She loved you so much and died after the loss. You'll be together, and will be waiting for me" Vladimir, father of Yelena.

In Memory of Christine Anne Olender

Christine Anne Olender was 39 years old and from New York, N.Y. Christine worked at Windows On The World, where she was the restaurant's assistant general manager.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Christine was hosting the Risk Waters Group for breakfast. At 8:46 am. American Flight 11 impacted the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Christine took immediate control of her area of responsibility after the plane hit. She organized all the breakfast guests and employees on the 106th floor, and made several calls to the Port Authority.

In Memory of Christopher Hanley

Christopher Hanley was 34 years old and from New York, NY.

On the the morning of September 11, 2001, Christopher was attending a breakfast conference sponsored by Risk Waters Group at Windows on the World on the 106th floor of the North Tower at the World Trade Center. Only minutes after American Airlines Flight 11 hit between the 93rd and 97th floors, Christopher managed to dial 9-1-1 to report the explosion.

The video above is the actual 9-1-1 call that Christopher made on 9/11. The first photograph shows a picture of Christopher Hanley, the second photograph shown in the video was actually taken at Windows On The World that morning and shows Christopher Hanley (on the left) talking to another conference guest William "Bill" Kelly Jr. The photographer who took the picture left the building just before the plane struck the tower. Both Christopher Hanley and Bill Kelly did not survive.

9-11 widow will speak at luncheon Thursday

A woman whose husband was killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and later founded a nonprofit organization that provides support to widows in Afghanistan will speak Thursday in Milwaukee.

Susan Retik co-founded Beyond the 11th and was featured in "Beyond Belief," a documentary about two Sept. 11 widows who coped with their grief through humanitarian programs that help Afghan widows. The organization has offered literacy classes, job skills training and microlending to help Afghan women start businesses. Susan's husband, David E. Retik, died aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane to crash into the World Trade Center.

Retik, who received the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2010, will speak during a luncheon event at the Pfister Hotel. Tickets are $50.

The event is sponsored by Mount Mary College. Online registration for the luncheon and Retik's speech can be done at mtmary.edu/beyondthe11th.html.

The documentary "Beyond Belief" will be shown at 6 p.m. Friday at Mount Mary College in Room 109 of the Gerhardinger Center. The film is free.

In Memory of Judy Larocque

Judy Larocque was 50 years old and from Framingham, Massachusetts. Judy was a passenger on Americans Airline Flight 11. Judy was an avid Beatles fan.

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001 the aircraft crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 08;46.


Sisters Carie and Danielle Lemack whose mother Judy Larocque died on 9/11, grieve in Boston at the Garden of Remembrance, a memorial dedicated to the 206 Massachusetts victims of September 11, 2001.

In Memory of Joanne Marie Ahladiotis

Joanne Marie Ahladiotis was 27 and from Forest Hills, New York. Joanne worked for eSpeed, a division of Cantor Fitzgerald, on the 104th floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Joanne was attending a 7 am meeting on the 104th of the North Tower. She would always go to work at 9 am but went to work two hours early on September 11, 2001, for the meeting.

At 8.46 am, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the northern facade of the North Tower, impacting between the 93rd and 99th floors.

Joanne, a Greek American, was well known for her radiant smile. Her smile can brighten the room and make everyone feel better. Joanne was always smiling. She was a very positive person and was a great inspiration to everyone she met.

In Memory of Betty Ann Ong

Betty Ann Ong was 45 years old and from San Francisco, California. Betty was a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11.

On September 11, 2001, shortly after the takeoff of American Airlines Flight 11 from Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts bound for Los Angeles, California, the airplane was hijacked.

During the hijacking, Betty placed a call to American Airlines reservation agents in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina and relayed vital information about the identities of the hijackers and the hijacking situation on board the airplane. Betty's telephone call was the first call and indication that America was under attack, and her call eventually led to the shutdown of all flights nationwide. Under extreme duress and horrific circumstances, Betty remained calm and professional during her 23 minute telephone call. Prior to the crash of the airplane at the North World Trade Center in New York, Betty selflessly asked the ground crew to "Pray for Us", and not just for herself.

At 8.46am on September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the northern facade of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

The Betty Ann Ong Foundation is a non-profit public charity that helps overweight and obese children. Please remember and honor Betty with your support to the Betty Ann Ong Foundation.