Events pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 and support HEART 9/11’s ongoing mission
JERSEY CITY, New Jersey — Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, HEART 9/11 continues to honor the service and sacrifice of the First Responders, building trades professionals and countless others who answered the call in the aftermath of the attacks.
Through its work in communities across the United States and abroad, the organization carries forward that legacy of service, with ongoing support from the Liberty National Foundation (LNF) and its Torch Lighters Club.
Founded in 2007 by Bill Keegan, a retired Port Authority Police Lieutenant who serves as its president, HEART 9/11 (Healing Emergency Aid Response Team) is a nonprofit organization that brings together individuals united by a shared commitment to service inspired by September 11. Drawing on the professional training and firsthand experiences of those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero, along with the skills and dedication of its broader volunteer network, HEART 9/11 helps communities facing tragedy and hardship.
Guided by its mission to “Respond, Rebuild, and Recover,” HEART 9/11 deploys experienced volunteers to communities affected by natural and man-made disasters, helps rebuild homes and community facilities and supports First Responders and Veterans facing injury or illness.
Throughout September and early October, LNF supported HEART 9/11 through a series of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11. On September 12, HEART 9/11 hosted its 25th Anniversary Commemorative Reception in New York City, bringing together volunteers, families and supporters to remember those lost and reflect on the organization’s continued mission.
On September 15, LNF served as the Presenting Sponsor of HEART 9/11’s 25th Anniversary Tribute to Labor of 9/11 at the 9/11 Memorial Glade in Lower Manhattan. The tribute remembered those who lost their lives on September 11, as well as those who died in the years since from 9/11-related illnesses, while honoring the First Responders, members of the building and construction trades, contractors and so many others who played an essential role in the rescue and recovery efforts.
Most recently, on October 5, LNF supported the 13th Annual HEART 9/11 Golf Classic at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, benefiting HEART 9/11’s programs and ongoing work.
“Twenty-five years later, we continue to remember the lives that were lost on September 11 and honor the extraordinary efforts of the First Responders, tradespeople and so many others who answered the call that day,” said Dan Fireman, Executive Chairman of the Liberty National Foundation and Co-Founder of Liberty National Golf Club. “What has always stood out to me about HEART 9/11 is what these men and women chose to do with that experience. They took what they lived through during some of our country’s darkest days and turned it into a lasting commitment to helping others. We are proud to stand alongside them and support the work they continue to do for First Responders, Veterans and communities in need.”
For Keegan, HEART 9/11’s mission remains rooted in the sense of service and unity that emerged in the days following September 11.
“As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, it’s meaningful to reflect not only on that day, but on how Americans came together in the aftermath and recognized that what unites us far outweighs our differences. In the days that followed, we saw First Responders and everyday Americans step forward to help, expecting nothing in return. That spirit of generosity and service was an important part of the healing process, which continues today for so many.
“That sense of service continues to guide HEART 9/11’s work today. Support from organizations like the Liberty National Foundation allows us to bring together police officers, firefighters, union construction workers and others to put their training and experience to work helping others here in the United States and abroad, wherever they are needed. It’s important for us to continue that work in the same spirit that brought so many Americans together in the days following 9/11.”
For LNF, the partnership reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting First Responders, Veterans, youth and local communities. Through the leadership of its Torch Lighters Club, LNF works alongside partners like HEART 9/11 to help advance their missions, expand their impact and shine the light on the people and organizations whose work is making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.