Bracelet
Photo credit: Michael Hnatov
Accession Number: C.2015.319.2
Dimensions: 2.875 in X 2 in X 0.5 in
Dimensions (Metric): 7.3025 cm X 5.08 cm X 1.27 cm
Dimensions (Metric): 7.3025 cm X 5.08 cm X 1.27 cm
Source: James Ferguson
Credit Line: Gift of James E. Ferguson
Description
Metal memorial bracelet created in memory of FDNY Squad 41 victims Thomas Patrick Cullen III, Robert W. Hamilton, Michael K. Healey, Michael J. Lyons, Gregory Sikorsky, and R. Bruce Van Hine. The bracelet is engraved: "Lt. Michael Healey - FF Robert Hamilton - FF Bruce VanHine - FF Michael Lyons - FF Thomas Cullen III - FF Greg Sikorsky | 9-11-01 FDNY Squad 41." A small American flag is printed to the left of the names and a Squad 41 logo to the right.
Metal memorial bracelet created in memory of FDNY Squad 41 victims Thomas Patrick Cullen III, Robert W. Hamilton, Michael K. Healey, Michael J. Lyons, Gregory Sikorsky, and R. Bruce Van Hine. The bracelet is engraved: "Lt. Michael Healey - FF Robert Hamilton - FF Bruce VanHine - FF Michael Lyons - FF Thomas Cullen III - FF Greg Sikorsky | 9-11-01 FDNY Squad 41." A small American flag is printed to the left of the names and a Squad 41 logo to the right.
Historical Notes
Brooklyn-born Thomas Cullen lived in West Brighton, Staten Island, with his wife, Susan, and their two-year-old son. At night, Thomas would reroute his son’s toy train tracks as a surprise for him in the morning. On September 11, Thomas, an FDNY firefighter, responded with Squad 41 to the World Trade Center and was seen in the South Tower. Firefighter Cullen was 31 years old.
Born in Queens, Robert Hamilton lived in Washingtonville, New York, with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children. He was a Boy Scout leader, a youth baseball coach, and the “yam man” who helped to cook Thanksgiving meals for the homeless and elderly at a local church. On September 11, as chauffeur for FDNY Squad 41, Firefighter Hamilton responded to the World Trade Center. He was 43 years old.
Queens native Michael Healey lived in East Patchogue, Long Island, with his wife, Theresa, and their three children. Married for nearly 20 years, the former high school sweethearts reserved a weekly date night. In his free time, Michael ran competitively. On the job, he was a lieutenant with FDNY Squad 41. On September 11, Lieutenant Healey responded to the South Tower with his squad. He was 42 years old.
Born in Yonkers, New York, Michael Lyons lived in Hawthorne with his wife, Elaine. They had an infant daughter and were expecting their second child. Michael worked part time as an engineer, roofer, and ice cream truck driver while serving as a firefighter at FDNY Squad 41. On September 11, Firefighter Lyons responded with his squad to help evacuate the South Tower. He was 32 years old.
Manhattan-born Gregory Sikorsky lived in Spring Valley, New York, with his wife, Marie, and their young son. A former U.S. Marine and a licensed pilot, Gregory loved a thrill, whether skydiving, scuba diving, or riding his motorcycle. He was a member of FDNY Squad 41. On September 11, Firefighter Sikorsky responded to the South Tower and was on the 43rd floor when it collapsed. He was 34 years old.
Passaic, New Jersey, native Bruce Van Hine lived with his wife, Ann, and their two daughters in Greenwood Lake, New York. Bruce often went for day hikes on sections of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, leaving Bibles in shelters along the way. A 12-year FDNY veteran, on September 11, Firefighter Van Hine responded to the towers with his unit, Squad 41. He was 48 years old.
Brooklyn-born Thomas Cullen lived in West Brighton, Staten Island, with his wife, Susan, and their two-year-old son. At night, Thomas would reroute his son’s toy train tracks as a surprise for him in the morning. On September 11, Thomas, an FDNY firefighter, responded with Squad 41 to the World Trade Center and was seen in the South Tower. Firefighter Cullen was 31 years old.
Born in Queens, Robert Hamilton lived in Washingtonville, New York, with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children. He was a Boy Scout leader, a youth baseball coach, and the “yam man” who helped to cook Thanksgiving meals for the homeless and elderly at a local church. On September 11, as chauffeur for FDNY Squad 41, Firefighter Hamilton responded to the World Trade Center. He was 43 years old.
Queens native Michael Healey lived in East Patchogue, Long Island, with his wife, Theresa, and their three children. Married for nearly 20 years, the former high school sweethearts reserved a weekly date night. In his free time, Michael ran competitively. On the job, he was a lieutenant with FDNY Squad 41. On September 11, Lieutenant Healey responded to the South Tower with his squad. He was 42 years old.
Born in Yonkers, New York, Michael Lyons lived in Hawthorne with his wife, Elaine. They had an infant daughter and were expecting their second child. Michael worked part time as an engineer, roofer, and ice cream truck driver while serving as a firefighter at FDNY Squad 41. On September 11, Firefighter Lyons responded with his squad to help evacuate the South Tower. He was 32 years old.
Manhattan-born Gregory Sikorsky lived in Spring Valley, New York, with his wife, Marie, and their young son. A former U.S. Marine and a licensed pilot, Gregory loved a thrill, whether skydiving, scuba diving, or riding his motorcycle. He was a member of FDNY Squad 41. On September 11, Firefighter Sikorsky responded to the South Tower and was on the 43rd floor when it collapsed. He was 34 years old.
Passaic, New Jersey, native Bruce Van Hine lived with his wife, Ann, and their two daughters in Greenwood Lake, New York. Bruce often went for day hikes on sections of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, leaving Bibles in shelters along the way. A 12-year FDNY veteran, on September 11, Firefighter Van Hine responded to the towers with his unit, Squad 41. He was 48 years old.
Curator's Comment
Building on a tradition begun during the Vietnam War era to remember American prisoners of war and those missing in action, bracelets bearing the names of victims emerged after 9/11 as a way to honor those killed in the attacks. Some bracelets also bear personal inscriptions and images, including the American flag, the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, and insignia reflecting a victim’s status as a first responder. Whether worn by relatives and friends of the victim or by empathetic strangers, 9/11 memorial bracelets created an intimate connection to individual victims while also communicating a shared sense of loss and compassion.
HIDE
Building on a tradition begun during the Vietnam War era to remember American prisoners of war and those missing in action, bracelets bearing the names of victims emerged after 9/11 as a way to honor those killed in the attacks. Some bracelets also bear personal inscriptions and images, including the American flag, the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, and insignia reflecting a victim’s status as a first responder. Whether worn by relatives and friends of the victim or by empathetic strangers, 9/11 memorial bracelets created an intimate connection to individual victims while also communicating a shared sense of loss and compassion.
HIDE
