On September 8th 2011, the Center for National Policy and Voices of September 11th, in cooperation with the Community and Regional Resilience Institute and with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, premiered several short-form documentary films by award winning directors with narrations by Tom Brokaw, Tom Hanks, Brian Williams, and others -- highlighting untold stories of American resilience arising from the tragic events of 9/11 and other significant disasters. Each documentary was followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A.
Dignitaries, political leaders, members of the media, and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks were brought together at the 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Summit: Remembrance, Renewal, Resilience. The daylong summit, held at the Newseum in Washington, paid tribute to the people who lost their lives, honorod the survivors, and recognized the heroic work of those who responded and continue to carry on, demonstrating America's resilience.
DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and Dr. Judith Rodin, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, provided opening remarks for the Summit. After the documentary program, members of the 9/11 Commission--including former Governor Thomas Kean, former Congressman Lee Hamilton and Senators Joseph Lieberman and Susan Collins -- participated in a panel discussion on the origins, findings, and recommendations of the investigation into the events of September 11th.
The event culminated in an awards ceremony and dinner to honor the 9/11 Commission, the families of survivors of the 9/11 tragedy, and the small Canadian community of Gander, Newfoundland that played a gallant and generous role on 9/11 in receiving over 6,000 passengers and crew from diverted transatlantic flights that were not allowed to enter U.S. airspace. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta delivered the evening's keynote speech.
Opening remarks made by Charles Overby, Dr. Stephen Flynn, Mary Fetchet, Warren Edwards, Judith Rodin, Secretary Janet Napolitano and Secretary Madeleine Albright.
Civil Society's Response: Boatlift
This film tells the story of the armada civilian watercraft that came together with no prior planning to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people from lower Manhattan on 9/11. It was the largest sealift ever -- even greater than at Dunkirk during World War II.
Admiral Robert Papp, Commander Michael Day, Andy McGovern, Vincent Ardolino and Dr. Stephen Flynn discuss the short documentary film "Boalift" with Dan Rather.
Wounded Warriors' Resilience
This film features the courageous recovery stories of service members who were wounded in combat after joining the armed forces to serve their country after the 9/11 attacks.
Scott Gould, General Peter Chiarelli, Colonel Gregory Gadson, Major Justin Constantine, Specialist CJ Stewart, 1st Lt. Tyson Quink and 1st Lt. Dennis Oliverio discuss "Wounded Warriors' Resilience" with Ilia Calderon.
Gulf Coast Resilience
This film tells the tale of the Mississippi communities on the Gulf Coast that have survived and thrived despite several large-scale catastrophes in the recent past, including Hurricane Katrina, the economic recession, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Governor Haley Barbour, Craig W. Fugate, Bill Stallworth, Lori Gordon, Mayor George Schloegel and Warren Edwards discuss "Gulf Coast Resilience" with Amanda Ripley.
World Trade Center: Rebuild
This film explores the recovery and reconstruction by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey of the World Trade Center site, highlighting the cutting-edge technology, engineering, and design that have been used to "bake in" resilience.
Governor Ed Rendell, Dr. Najib Abboud, John Drobny, David Tweedy and Chris Ward discuss the documentary film, "World Trade Center: Rebuild", with Dr. Stephen Flynn.
Voices
Voices follows four individuals who, in the wake of the unprecedented tragedy, transformed their overwhelming loss into a measure of unity and resilience.
Panelists Governor Thomas Kean, Representative Lee Hamilton, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Senator Susan Collins, Mary Fetchet, Carie A. Lemack discuss the 9/11 Commission.
