September 11th Memorial Banner Commences in NYC

NEWS RELEASE
October 7, 2002

September 11th Memorial Banner Commences in NYC

The “We the People” memorial banner project will arrive in New York City outside Madison Square Garden, Saturday, October 12th, 7am-5pm, and the New York City Fire Museum, Sunday, October 13th, 10am-5pm. The 21,000 mile, 90 day patriotic journey to all 48 contiguous United States will commence in conjunction with the Annual Firefighters Memorial Service. Award winning artist Michael Joseph invited communities to join together with, Firefighters, Police officers, Rescue Teams, and Armed Forces, and write a message of peace and love in memory of September 11th.

This weekend, the invitation is personally extended to the thousands of firefighters and guest who will convene from around the world, in honor of their fallen brothers. According to Joseph “this is a humanitarian and historical effort to unite the country at this sensitive and significant time”. The 40’ x 60’ white vinyl banner is covered with over 18,000 sentiments inscribed with colorful ink pens. Amongst them are many Gov’s, Mayors, City Officials, Union Heads, and Department Chiefs. Some being our nations most affluent individuals; former NYC Mayor- Rudy Giuliani, Sec. of Energy- Spencer Abrahams, FEMA Pres.-Joseph Allbaugh, FL Gov.-Jeb Bush, MN Gov.-Jesse Ventura, former OK City Asst. Fire Chief-Jon Hansen, and Pop Icon Artist-Peter Max.

The signing events began in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on July 4th with the first 4’ x 16’ section imprinted with a breathtaking B&W photograph by Michael Joseph of the World Trade Center and St. Peters Church, made on October 19, 2000. Incidentally, this is where Chaplain of the NYC Fire Dept., Father Mychal Judge was carried. Additional blank sections were added completing “the vision to create the biggest love letter from America…where the image appears like a postage stamp”. Subsequently to the mission, signatures were also collected on a petition to help elect the photo entitled “In God We Trust” as a United States postage stamp.

Included along with the banner are over 300 Uniform Patches & T-Shirts, Pins, and other items of personal memorabilia, so compassionately given. Joseph anticipates donating the important project entirely to the Smithsonian Institute Museum in Washington, DC, “for preservation and future generations to behold…and may we Never Forget”. The banner project is funded by private and public contributions. For further information Michael Joseph can be reached by cell phone 954.817.8870.