The Nielsen's made a trip to the 9-11 events in lower Manhattan. We gave out quilts to the 9-11 victims' families that still had not received a quilt. It was so overwhelming to be with the families again. As each family came up to receive a quilt they reminded us how very thankful they were to be given something that they will cherish forever. Some reminded us that still they have not received anything of their loved ones and how empty they have felt. Many talked about how we were giving them hope when they thought there was no hope. It gave them hope to know that there was good in this world beside evil and that gave them the strength to carry on. Our quilts were a sign of hope for the families and they asked us to please not stop. To know that we were also making quilts for the fallen soldiers' families touch them deeply because they knew why our soldiers were fighting in Iraq. They wanted the families of the fallen soldiers to know that they also care and were thinking of them. We gave out quilts on Sept 10th and 11th . Also at a luncheon on Sept 11th we were honored by Voices of September 11. Mary Fetchet the President and founder of Voices of September 11th presented Dennis and Betty Nielsen with the Building Bridges Award. It is a recognition of signification contribution to victims' families, survivors and all those impacted by the terrorist attacks on September 11th. When we were introduced by Mary Fetchet to come up and received our award and speak I was speechless for a while as I watched the families all stand up to honor Dennis and I. I was choked up as I tried to give my speech. As I explained to the families what Freedom Quilts was all about the families were so touched. The event was so huge that they needed two ballrooms to seat all the families that were there. We were on the third floor of one of the ballrooms and some of the families were in the second floor ballrooms. As I stepped down I was embraced by one of the family members with tears in her eyes telling me thank you and please continue your good deeds When the luncheon was done many families that were in the second floor ballroom came up to Dennis and I and thanked us. The families on the second floor were watching everything on a big screen. They told us that when I came up to do my speech everyone got quite for they wanted to hear what I had to say. They were so touched and thankful for all we were doing and hoped that we continue for it had touched them all. Attending were families from Germany, Canada, UK, and Scotland who received their quilts and they were so touched by the caring of strangers. Thankful hugs were plentiful and for a while we knew we put a smile on their lovely faces. They are faces that carry so much pain. In Dec of 2001 we had made our first trip to NY and actually were given the opportunity to see Ground Zero. We watched in silence as the men worked in the debris and as the trucks hauled debris and human remains to Staten Island. It was a sight that has never left us. We have never wished to go back but this time we did make the trip to Ground Zero. Our hotel was only one block away from Ground Zero. Even though they are working to rebuild and you can see it was so different from our first trip. There was still a silence as you walked around Ground Zero. I was speechless again and broken hearted for the families that will have to come again to honor their loved ones. Words could not explain the heartache I felt that day. As we pass by the steel cross and the flag I said a silent prayer for the families that God would give them all strength. Jean Cleere who lost her husband was at the event and was so sweet to help us out. We were so touch by her kindness to take time to help out. For everyone who has been a part of this project you need to know how much you have touched all the families. Whether it was the media that helps spread the word to keep the project going or the quilters that made quilts for the families of 9-11 and fallen soldiers, or the people that gave contribution so the project would continue or the groups that invited us to do presentations to keep the project alive you all had a huge part in giving these families hope. A reason to go on and know they are not alone. Yes you all had a big part in why this country is so great and why we need to continue and not forget. There are still many that need us to continue. Please help me make it so.
God bless and thank you all
Betty