As the country remembers September 11, the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter will be commemorating nationwide the memory of those who lost their lives in the attacks, those who now live with the consequences of the attacks, and those whose heroic and humanitarian efforts made a difference in the wake of the attacks.

Locally, the Red Cross will commemorate the anniversary with a vigil. The event will be held on the lawn of its headquarters at 786 Delaware Avenue. Three thousand flags, representing the people who died on September 11, will be placed in the ground to celebrate those lives that were tragically ended five years ago in the worst terrorist attack in American history. The ceremony will be led by Sister Martha Olszewski. Please visit this site in the coming weeks for more information on the vigil.

Nationally, the Red Cross continues to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the events of September 11.

By having reserved a portion of the Liberty Disaster Relief Fund (“Liberty Fund”) for longer term services back in 2002, the Red Cross has been able to continue providing its services long after 9/11-specific funding has ended. Examples include:
People directly affected by 9/11 can continue to get mental health and substance abuse treatment through the end of 2007 if they enroll in the 9/11 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program by January 2, 2007.
Rescue, recovery, and clean up workers are assured of treatment for respiratory illnesses and other health problems they developed at Ground Zero until federal funding picks up these costs.
Families of the seriously injured will continue to have their health insurance costs covered through 2007.
FDNY widows and children are continuing to receive in-home social work services geared toward helping them rebuild their lives.

$46.5 million remained in the Liberty Fund as of June 30, 2006. This money will continue to be used to provide families with financial assistance for physical and mental health treatment, and to fund non-profit partners through renewals of September 11 recovery grants. Top priority will be given to treatment, rescue, recovery, and clean-up programs related to the collapse of the World Trade Center.