The MEMO Blog

The official blog of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum features stories of commemoration and memorialization, and information on our public programs, special events, and ways to get involved.

Dozens of square tiles that are varying shades of blue are seen up close in Memorial Hall.
Photo by Dan Winters

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Rescue & Recovery at 20: Anthony Palmieri, DSNY

May 27, 2022

Anthony Palmieri, a Department of Sanitation worker, was uptown the morning of September 11th and managed to make it home to New Jersey later that day. But it wasn't long before he was back in the city, playing an integral role in the rescue and recovery effort at Ground Zero. Here, Palmieri answers some questions about the nine months he spent there and what May 30th means to him.  

Rescue & Recovery at 20: Dr. Alison Thompson, Civilian Relief Worker

May 26, 2022

September 11th ultimately became the first day of Dr. Alison Thompson's full-time humanitarian first responder career. She spent nine months at Ground Zero. In today's installment of our series marking the 20th anniversary of the formal end to rescue and recovery operations, Thompson shares her personal recollections and perspectives. 

Rescue & Recovery at 20: Phil Alvarez, Suffolk PD

May 25, 2022

Suffolk County detective Phil Alvarez lost his brother Luis, an NYPD detective who spent months at Ground Zero, to 9/11-related cancer. In today's installment of our series highlighting those involved in and impacted by the unprecedented rescue and recovery efforts, Alvarez recalls his own experience and how his brother's ordeal led him to a life of advocacy in the years after the attacks. 

Rescue & Recovery at 20: Rob Serra, FDNY

May 24, 2022

Rob Serra left the FDNY Training Academy a mere one day before the attacks of 9/11. As we gear up for the 20th anniversary of the formal end to rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero, he talks about his ordeal and the long-lasting impact it had on his life and career. 

Rescue & Recovery at 20: Sal Annerino, DSNY

May 23, 2022

Salvatore (Sal) Annerino was a district superintendent for the New York City Department of Sanitation on 9/11, then spent the next nine months at the site. Ahead of the 20th anniversary of the formal end to rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero, Annerino answers a Q&A for us about his personal memories and experiences in that uniquely horrific situation.  

Rescue & Recovery at 20: Bob Schnelle & Atlas, NYPD

May 20, 2022

The German Shepherd Atlas was among hundreds of 9/11 canine heroes. Here, as we prepare to mark the 20th anniversary of the formal end to rescue and recovery efforts, his handler Robert (Bob) Schnelle, NYPD, answers a Q&A about his time at Ground Zero.  

Ukraine Close to Our Hearts on International Museum Day

May 19, 2022

We marked International Museum Day with a special Survivor Tree lighting ceremony in support of our museum colleagues and the people of Ukraine. 

Rescue & Recovery at 20: Rafe Greco, Laborers' International Union

May 16, 2022

Sculptor, welder, and metalworker Rafe Greco - who met his wife Bianca while working at Ground Zero with the Laborers' International Union of North America, Local 79 - recalls his experience as a rescue and recovery worker after 9/11. 

Rescue & Recovery at 20: Charlie Kaczorowski, Department of Design & Construction

May 13, 2022

Charlie Kaczorowski was with the Department of Design & Construction on September 11; he spent months at Ground Zero helping with rescue and recovery efforts. Kaczorowski died this March. Today we honor his sacrifice with a special blog post culled from past Museum interviews. 

Rescue & Recovery at 20: Dennis Diggins, DSNY

May 9, 2022

Dennis Diggins, who served as Deputy Director at Fresh Kills for the Department of Sanitation during the rescue and recovery efforts, answers some questions about his experience in the periods both immediately and long after September 11.