New on View: Artifacts Tell Stories of 9/11 Victims

A new rotation of artifacts on view in the 9/11 Memorial Museum illustrate the lives of some of those killed on Sept. 11. The personal belongings and items provide a window into the interests and experiences of each individual they represent.

A native of Puerto Rico, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jose Calderon-Olmedo was working as a supply sergeant at the Pentagon on Sept. 11. Throughout his 19 years of service in the Army, he was stationed around the world, including tours in Germany, South Korea, and in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Commemorating his connection to both Puerto Rico and the United States, Calderon-Olmedo’s bandana and cap are now on view in the memorial exhibition.

Shakila Yasmin loved the songs of poet Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel laureate from her native Bangladesh. She transcribed his lyrics in Bengali in her journal, which is now on view. A song by Tagore appears on the left-hand page, while at right is one by Indian singer Manna Dey. Both Yasmin and her husband, Nurul H. Miah, worked for Marsh & McLennan.

Also on view is a varsity letter and Hermes pin belonging to John Perry. A lifelong runner, Perry competed on the varsity track and field team at Seaford High School on Long Island and ran three marathons as an adult. After joining the New York City Police Department in 1993, he participated in the NYPD Runners’ Club. On Sept. 11, Officer Perry was off-duty and getting his retirement paperwork together at police headquarters and ran to the World Trade Center to assist.

Artifacts of a total of 21 victims are part of this rotation. The 9/11 Memorial Museum regularly rotates personal artifacts.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff