UMVA has learned that the 9/11 Memorial Museum is commemorating 25 years since the terrorist attacks, and its new exhibit is bringing the memories of that fateful day back to life, even for those who weren't alive to experience it.
The exhibit, titled "Our Flag Was Still There," showcases the American flag as a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope, highlighting its significance in the aftermath of the attacks. The museum is counting on its educators to carry on the memory and educate younger generations about the day that will forever be etched in history.
As Jay Weinkam, executive vice president of government and community affairs at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, puts it, "It's not just kids, a third of the U.S. population has been born since then." The museum's goal is to make sure that this pivotal moment in American history is never forgotten, and its impact is felt for generations to come.
The exhibit features flags with stories from first responders, veterans, and Americans who lived through the attacks, along with artifacts and photos that spotlight the American flag. One of the most poignant flags on display was once tucked into a lead Chinook pilot's flight gear, with the pilot's triumphant message "5/1/11 Geronimo 'NS'" written on the pole base.
Will Chesney, a retired SEAL Team operator and dog handler, reflects on the unity and excitement that followed the announcement that Usama bin Laden was killed in Operation Neptune Spear. "It was one of the best parts of the whole night, seeing America just so excited and unified and coming back together," he said.
The museum hopes that its exhibit will keep that same sense of unity alive, reminding people of the power of service and unity in the face of adversity. As Elizabeth L. Hillman, president and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, puts it, "The flag was a source of strength, resilience, and hope... people should have pride and remember how we responded." The exhibit will remain open to the public through February 2028, a testament to the enduring impact of 9/11 and its legacy.
