Preserving the Legacy: The Never Forget Fund's Mission to Educate Future Generations about 9/11
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum has initiated a fundraising campaign to raise $75 million to educate the younger generation about the 9/11 terror attacks as the 25th anniversary approaches. The campaign, named The Never Forget Fund, received a boost from Mike Bloomberg, who pledged to match the next $25 million in donations through his Bloomberg Philanthropies. The organization aims to secure a permanent funding source to reach the approximately 100 million Americans born after the attacks and provide them with essential information through new exhibits and educational materials.
Since its opening in 2014 at the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum has welcomed around 97 million memorial visitors and nearly 28 million museum attendees. However, recent years have presented financial challenges due to pandemic closures and potential interest from the Trump administration in taking control of the site. The organization's president and CEO, Beth Hillman, emphasized the importance of remembering 9/11 to highlight unity in the face of loss and inspire selfless acts of service.
The legacy of the 9/11 attacks remains a topic of debate, especially among younger generations who have grown up under heightened security measures and government actions post-9/11. The upcoming 25th anniversary aims to showcase stories of service, hope, resilience, and unity through an exhibit called "In Their Honor." The funds raised will ensure free museum access for students, first responders, and veterans, with a focus on reaching more educators to prepare lesson plans and provide professional development programs.
As the organization works to memorialize the events of 9/11 and educate future generations, there is a recognition of the need for simple representations of what happened on that day. The goal is to convey the basics of the events to help people understand and learn from the historical significance of 9/11. The organization plans to engage with educators, students, and the public to ensure that the stories of service and unity continue to resonate and inspire across generations.
In conclusion, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum's fundraising campaign seeks to preserve the memory of the 9/11 attacks and educate the younger generation about the importance of unity, service, and resilience in the face of tragedy. By providing access to educational resources and exhibits, the organization aims to ensure that the stories of 9/11 continue to inspire and unite people from diverse backgrounds for years to come.