More Than Numbers

By Dr. John J. Scibilia, LDRNY Executive Director

2,749.  According to the NYC chief medical examiner these are the number of victims who perished as a result of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.  Until this week, the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) had diligently worked to identify almost 20,000 remains that were recovered during the nine months of clean-up at the WTC site.  The remains of 1,592 victims were identified through the middle of 2002.  In the last 28 months, an average of 5 victims were identified per month using new DNA technology. 

The remains have been kept at the NYC OCME since September 2001.  Specially equipped trailers comprise what has come to be known as Memorial Park.  Relatives of victims visit there on a regular basis, knowing remains of their loved one is somewhere in one of those trailers, yet never receiving official word or something physically tangible which they can lay to rest in a manner appropriate for them.  This is part of the healing process whenever anyone dies, and these families have not had that opportunity.  Clergy, Lutheran pastors among them, have served as chaplains since Memorial Park was established, being available to family and the technicians alike who live 9/11 everyday of their lives. 

Dr. Charles Hirsch, NYC Chief Medical Examiner, has announced the OCME will cease the process of identification at this time.  All of the remains are being preserved and catalogued in the hopes that new DNA and other scientific advances might make it possible to return to this task.  It is anticipated the remains of the victims will be placed at the Ground Zero memorial when it is constructed during the next 5 – 7 years.

Victims' family members gather at Ground Zero 9/11/04

"We will Never Forget", was an interfaith prayer service held on April 3 for all of the 9/11 families and the 1161 victims for whom the NYC Medical Examiner's office could not identify bodily remains. A delegation of individuals representing the world religions led the prayer service.  New York Disaster Interfaith Services, of which LDRNY is a founding and active member, provided a time of reception following this event.

At Limits of Science, 9/11 ID Effort Ends is a more complete report of the suspension of identification activities.  The article was written by Eric Lipton and appeared in The New York Times.  You may download the article below.

For many people, especially the relatives and loved ones of 1161 victims not identified, 9/11 is real every minute.  To move on would not seem to be an option for them given the uncertainty they feel.  We include in our thoughts and prayers all those who continue to wonder, wonder why and cry.  We also include with thanks all those who have faithfully served in the arduous and difficult task of identification and support for families.  LDRNY is committed to continuing to serve all those who are still painfully affected as a result of September 11, 2001                         

                          

At the Limits of Science, NY Times April 3, 2005

 

Dr. John J. Scibilia, LDRNY Executive Director