NYC Symposium | September 10th
September 10th | 9/11 Community
Victims' Families, Responders, Survivors, and Providers
New York Marriott Downtown
85 West Street, New York City
VOICES New York City Symposium was held on Tuesday, September 8th, Wednesday, September 9th, and Thursday, September 10th. The Symposium, held in person and broadcasted live, was presented in partnership with our 9/11 Community partners, the Leadership in Counter Terrorism Alumni Association (LinCT-AA) and the International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (INVICTM).
Supported by our 9/11 Community Partners who are dedicated to assisting all those impacted by 9/11, the program underscored VOICES mission to provide long-term support for victims’ families, responders and survivors. Updates included ongoing issues, mental health and medical care, litigation, and compensation.
September 10th Schedule
Candlelighting Ceremony
VOICES Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony is led by family members Jeanmarie Hargraves and Tom Kerns. The ceremony offers a meaningful moment of remembrance and a reflective tone for the day’s program. Anne Seymour and Sue O’Sullivan light the 25 candles, representing each year that has passed and honoring the 2,977 lives lost on September 11th, as well as the 9,600 who have died since from 9/11-related illnesses.
Welcome Remarks
Board Chair, Bonnie McEneaney McNamara reflects on 25 years since 9/11, honoring the loved ones lost while recognizing the enduring hope, healing and resilience of families. She emphasizes that remembrance is not simply about looking back, but about carrying forward the lessons learned. VOICES work is highlighted for supporting those navigating grief, connecting individuals with health and mental health resources, and sharing lessons on preparedness and response to catastrophic events. She notes that as 9/11 becomes a historical event for a new generation, preserving stories and memories helps keep the legacy of those lost, alive.
Preserving Memory
Former President and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Alice Greenwald and StoryCorps founder, Dave Isay join Mary Fetchet to discuss the power of preserving personal stories and memories. They announce VOICES partnership with StoryCorps to collect oral histories that will create lasting memories of those who were lost as well as those who survived. The renewed StoryCorps September 11th Initiative invites families, survivors, responders and others to record their personal stories that will be preserved in the Library of Congress, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and on VOICES Living Memorial.
Principal, Memory Matters, LCC; Founding Director, 9/11 Memorial & Museum; Former President/CEO, 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Responding in the Aftermath of 9/11
Accomplished mental health professionals April Naturale, Heidi Horsley and Suzanne Phillips share their experience about the critical role they played providing support services in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and beyond. They discuss the formation of Project Liberty and other programs to support families, survivors, responders, and fire fighters. The therapists discuss lessons learned and the importance of peer support and group therapy. They emphasize that grief has no timeline and note the relevance of VOICES work that provides long-term support for the 9/11 Community 25 years later.
Licensed NYS Psychologist, Social Worker, Adjunct Professor, Columbia University, Private Practice
NYS Licensed Psychologist, Diplomate American Board of Professional Psychology, Certified Group Psychotherapist
World Trade Center Claims in the Workers’ Compensation
Joe Cavalcante of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board provides an update on World Trade Center claims, benefits and eligibility 25 years after 9/11. He reviews data on victims, responders and volunteers, including more than 19,000 claims and 52,000 people who documented their presence through the WTC-12 process. He highlights ongoing public education, outreach and partnerships that help the 9/11 Community navigate workers’ compensation and related federal programs.
Pursuing Justice: Legal Proceedings 25 Years After 9/11
Attorneys Robert Haefele, Duke Maloney, and John Eubanks are joined by 9/11 family member Terry Strada to provide updates on the ongoing 9/11 litigation, including claims against Saudi Arabia, charity organizations and Sudan. Attorneys discuss the upcoming Second Circuit appeal, the growing public record of evidence, and efforts to increase transparency and access to documents. They also examine the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, including funding challenges, pending legislation and potential future distributions. The panel emphasizes the importance of persistence, accountability and seeking answers for 9/11 families and survivors.
DOI Investigation Update: What NYC Knew About the Dangers After 9/11
DOI Investigation advocates Matt McCauley and Ben Chevat examine legal efforts to obtain NYC records concerning knowledge of World Trade Center environmental hazards following 9/11. They discuss FOIL requests and Article 78 proceedings that challenge the City’s failure to produce records, and subsequent production of approximately 170,000 pages. They discuss the City Council’s authorization of a Dept. of Investigation inquiry of what the City knew and when, discovery of previously withheld documents, ongoing oversight, and implications for scientific research, WTC Health Program eligibility, and future claims.
A Conversation with Secretary Hillary Clinton
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton is interviewed by award-winning journalist Andrea Mitchell. Secretary Clinton reflects on lessons from 9/11, emphasizing the need to preserve facts, strengthen preparedness, and apply hard-earned lessons to future disasters. She emphasizes the importance of supporting affected communities, expanding outreach and health resources, and maintaining vigilance against evolving threats. Secretary Clinton calls for renewed cooperation across political divides, stronger investment in science and preparedness, and leadership that brings people together rather than deepening division.
NBC News Chief Washington Correspondent and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent
Advocating for Reform in the Face of Tragedy
Advocates John Feal, Monica Elvira and Lila Nordstrom discuss their personal experience in how survivors and advocates continue to push for reform 25 years after 9/11. Speakers highlight ongoing health challenges, the need for medical research and greater recognition of women and youth survivors, and the importance of grassroots advocacy. Their personal stories illustrate the impact of delayed recognition of the needs of the community, while emphasizing the importance of documenting history, educating younger generations, and applying lessons from 9/11 to future disasters.
9/11 Memorial & Museum Special Exhibit
Beth Hillman, President and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is joined by Curator Alexandra Drakakis and Museum Visionary John Paluska to discuss how the Museum preserves memory while connecting the events of 9/11 to educate future generations. The conversation focuses on the role of each of the panelists while describing the special exhibit, In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11 – Inspired Service. They discuss two examples in the exhibit – highlighting John’s lifetime of service and VOICES 25--year legacy of advocacy and support for the 9/11 Community.
Closing Remarks
Closing remarks reflect on 25 years of remembrance, healing and advocacy. They emphasize that preserving memory is an ongoing practice, justice requires sustained commitment, and grief can become action. The remarks highlight the strength of a community that continues to support one another, educate future generations, and advocate for truth, health and dignity. The symposium closes by honoring the past while encouraging everyone to help shape the future. The US Army Field Band is introduced to conclude the program.
Musical Performance by the US Army Field Band
As the 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium comes to a close the audience is treated to musical performance by the U.S. Army Field Band. The musicians provide moving performances of "Amazing Grace," "Danny Boy," and "America the Beautiful." The audience rises to its feet with a standing ovation.
Members of the 9/11 community are invited to participate in a special recording opportunity by sitting down with a family member, friend, colleague, or other meaningful person to share memories of a loved one, reflect on their life and legacy, and preserve their story for generations to come.
This is an exhibit of hope and healing showcasing artwork created by artists of all ages, in response to and in the years following 9/11- a glimpse into 9/11's imprint on society.
Voices Center for Resilience (VOICES)
Founded in the aftermath of 9/11, Voices Center for Resilience, (formerly Voices of September 11th) provides long-term support and access to mental health care and resources for thousands of victims' families, responders and survivors. VOICES collaborates with its partners to assist communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from tragedies, in the United States and abroad. With an emphasis on providing support, education and training, VOICES comprehensive, victim-centered approach underscores a commitment to promote resilience in the lives of those impacted and builds bridges between communities affected by tragedy.
Leadership in Counter Terrorism Alumni Association (LinCT-AA)
Since its inception in 2008, the LinCT-AA has brought together senior police and intelligence leaders from the “Five Eyes” – Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States – to promote personal and professional development, networking, exchange of good practices, and global thinking. LinCT-AA leaders continue to ensure that victims have been included in and considered as essential partners in the discussions and the work of the association.
The International Network Supporting Victims of Terrorism and Mass Violence (INVICTM)
Created in 2016, INVICTM brings together trusted experts dedicated to improving support for victims of terrorism and mass violence. The strength of INVICTM lies in the ability to share lessons learned, leverage the knowledge and expertise of its members and their networks, to influence change and turn research into action within our own countries and globally. The group of over 30 international members includes NGOs, law enforcement agencies, civil society members and other experts that provide information based upon their background, country and professional perspective.
NYPD Shield
The NYPD Shield program is a public-private partnership, established in 2005 by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Its mission is to strengthen collaboration between the NYPD and private security professionals, as well as serve as a communication platform with private-sector entities on security and counterterrorism-related matters. Through this program, the NYPD shares information and resources with leading security professionals and law enforcement agencies worldwide, creating a force multiplier in the fight against terrorism. By engaging both private and public sector leaders, the NYPD aims to prevent potential terrorist attacks and enhance overall security within New York City and beyond.
ASIS International New York City Chapter
The New York City Chapter of ASIS International, a global community of security practitioners, is among the largest Chapters in ASIS International. Our membership exceeds 1500 members with a mailing list reaching over 15,000 readers. Members of the Chapter represent an entire spectrum of security professionals, security contractors and practitioners from the New York City metropolitan area. We provide a forum that brings together security professionals, government and law enforcement to further their common goals and to share experiences and best practices.
Corporate security professionals, including many Fortune 500 companies and providers of security services, as well as Federal, State and local law enforcement, participate in the NYC Chapter.
StoryCorps
StoryCorps is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Since 2003, StoryCorps has helped hundreds of thousands of people record meaningful conversations about their lives and the people who matter most to them. These conversations are preserved in the StoryCorps Archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, creating a lasting record for families and future generations.
StoryCorps began collecting remembrance recordings for victims of the September 11 attacks in 2005. In partnership with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, more than 1,200 interviews were recorded, honoring approximately 700 people who lost their lives in the attacks. These conversations preserve not only the events of September 11, but also the lives, relationships, memories, and legacies of those who were lost.
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
25th Anniversary Commemoration Sponsor
Legacy Sponsor
Remembrance Sponsor
9/11 Family Luncheon Sponsor
Speaker Luncheon Sponsor
Reception Sponsors
