Years later unidentified remains of victims from 9/11 are returned to the World Trade Center after being held at the coroner’s office. Some family members are protesting by wearing black tape and cloths over their mouths. Read more on the story below!
The remains were moved from the city medical examiner’s office. This decision has stirred a protest from some of the victim’s families who are calling it a “national disgrace.” Four NYPD motorcycles, a fire engine, three unmarked SUVs, Port Authority vehicles and a police emergency services truck traveled to the World Trade Center (WTC) carrying coffin-sized military transfer cases. Firefighters saluted when the remains were bought past family members who were the only people allowed in the plaza for the ceremony.
Protestors held signs responding to the remains being transferred underground, which is the same location of the National September 11 Memorial Museum. Jim Riches, who is a retired Deputy Fire Chief says “We would like to see remains moved above ground in a repository akin to the tomb of the unknowns…to add a little respect and dignity.” Access to the remains would have a $24 admission fee to the museum. Riches states, “That’s a disgrace. A national disgrace.” Family members will receive free access. Riches’ son was one of the 343 firefighters killed. 1,115 of the 2,753 people killed are unidentified.The medical examiner will have access to 7,930 remains to help identify those people.
Sally Regenhard, mother of fallen FDNY member, was upset by the remains being brought back to WTC, she says, “We want a proper memorialization of the dead…we’re here because it’s an atrocity to put human remains of heroes and victims in a museum.”
