September 23, 2010, Bellmore Life
Viewpoint: Finding Gary Box
The Memorial Museum is seeking at least one photograph or portrait image for each person killed on September 11, 2001, and on February 26, 1993 – during the first World Trade Center attack – for a memorial exhibition.
I had the honor of attending the 9/11 Memorial Museum fundraiser on September 7 in New York City at Cipriani’s on Wall Street.
The event was filled with those who donated to the memorial, business people, and the movers and shakers in New York and world politics – and me (a guest of one of the evening’s hosts).
The program for the evening opened with Judson Box, father of Gary Box of Bellmore, a New York City firefighter who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center. Mr. Box spoke candidly about how the family was left with little closure to the events of 9/11: The remains of Gary were never recovered, so there was no one to say goodbye to.
Then about a year ago the Box family heard about a website discussing the upcoming memorial museum and its plans for displays. A call had been put out online for people to submit their photographs from that fateful day as a historical record of the events.
It was on the website that a family friend found a photo of Gary. In full firefighter turnout gear, Gary was photographed in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel after he jumped off his firetruck and was running toward the towers. The photographer was exiting the tunnel. Erik Troelson, the Danish businessman who took the photograph, was an invited guest to the Cipriani event, where he and Judson Box had the opportunity to meet face-to-face. The emotional greeting – not a dry eye in the house – had Mr. Box thanking the photographer for his photo, which has brought a sense of solace and closure to those who knew Gary.
Performing that evening was Tony-award winner Lachanze, of “The Color Purple,” who spoke of her journey as a young wife and mother, pregnant with her second child when her husband was killed in the towers. He worked for Cantor Fitzgerald.
Go to www.national911memorial.org
The Memorial Museum is seeking at least one photograph or portrait image for each person killed on September 11, 2001, and on February 26, 1993 – during the first World Trade Center attack – for the memorial exhibition and its accompanying archive. If possible, the museum would like to obtain at least one image of your loved one alone, but it is also eager to receive images of your loved one with family, friends, co-workers and others.
The museum is also seeking written remembrances and commemorative text to help share your memories and characterize your friend or loved one for others. If you have printed photographs or written remembrances of your loved ones, including eulogies and obituaries, the museum invites you to send or deliver directly to it.
Copies of personally printed reminiscences or memorial notices are welcome. The museum accepts printed photographs and written material for its collection, but would scan and return the material if you prefer. You can contact it to learn more at 212-312-8800, or send an e-mail to info@national911memorial.org.
