Children of 9/11 FDNY Officers Place Tribute at Survivor Tree to Commemorate Victims of Terrorism

Sean Egan and Caitlin Leavey, whose FDNY fathers both died in the 9/11 attacks, pose for a photo beside the Survivor Tree at Memorial plaza.
A tribute was placed at the Survivor Tree in honor of victims of terrorism. Photo by Jin S. Lee, 9/11 Memorial.

In recognition of the second annual commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, two children of FDNY officers killed on 9/11 placed a tribute at the Survivor Tree on Wednesday.

The United Nations, which established the event in 2017, is highlighting stories from terrorism survivors and family members to spread awareness about improving the quality of life of the survivors of terrorism.

For Sean Egan, whose father Martin Egan was killed on 9/11, this day of remembrance offers an opportunity for further connection. “The resilience of victims of terrorism and their communities is proof that even in the aftermath of these nefarious acts, we come together to heal, remember our loved ones and ultimately emerge stronger,” said Egan. “This day is an opportunity to recognize that unity and resilience and serves as a reminder that no victim is alone.”

Caitlin Leavey, daughter of FDNY’s Joseph Leavey, is a teacher who has worked with international victims of terrorism and children impacted by trauma. Leavy described herself as “involved, inspired and activated” by the ways in which communities come together to heal after violent attacks. Growing up in a world forever altered by terrorism, everyday moments take on more significance. As she told the 9/11 Memorial in a blog post, “Many of my students experience their own hardships at home, and if there is one thing that I learned from my journey, it is to bring out the ‘sunshine’ in each and every one of them.”

“The world has changed me, and now it’s time for me to change the world,” she said.

Read more about the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff

Previous Post

Meaningful Adjacencies: The Brave Flight Crews of 9/11

The names of the victims aboard Flight 11 are seen etched in a corner of the Memorial. Water cascades down the sites of a reflecting pool behind the names.

In honor of Aviation Week, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum pays tribute to the 36 courageous flight crew members who lost their lives on September 11.

View Blog Post

Next Post

9/11 Pilot’s Wife Helps Pass Law Protecting Flights From Hijackers

Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick and Josh Gottheimer stand with Ellen Saracini during an event on a sunny day at the Garden of Reflection 9/11 Memorial in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Last October, the Saracini Aviation Safety Act was signed into law, giving fliers an added layer of protection 17 years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Act will be enacted beginning Oct. 6. In honor of Aviation Week, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is paying tribute to the effort by families to increase the safety of commercial flights.

View Blog Post