Photo credit: Conservation staff
Accession Number: C.2006.3.156
Dimensions: 8.5 in X 11 in
Dimensions (Metric): 21.59 cm X 27.94 cm
Credit Line: A gift from the American Red Cross
Description
Child's handmade card depicting a colored pencil drawing of a red double door and a black and white checkered floor. "Emergency Room" is written above the door. Inside of the card is a drawing of a patient in a hospital bed with a healthcare provider in green scrubs standing by their bed. Handwritten next to the drawing is a multicolored note that reads:
"I know your [sic] are feeling scared right now and I am to. Your doing your best to save people in the Emergency Room. Your doing a very good job by working day and night. There should be more people like you saving other peoples' lives. Your not only helping the hurt people, but your helping the people they love by helping them hang on. What you do is very great and I hope you feel that way to [sic]."
Historical Notes
In times of emotional unrest, children often express themselves through art. Taped to firehouse and police station windows, tacked inside respite centers and ornamenting fences at the World Trade Center site, drawings and paintings created by this generation of youthful witnesses became a familiar sight throughout New York City in the aftermath of 9/11. The works created by children in art therapy programs and in school classrooms reflect diverse themes, including violence, patriotism, courage, fear, prejudice, sadness, compassion, and hope. Many cards and letters expressed gratitude to first responders and condolences to family members. Collected from children around the world, these artistic expressions capture the significance of the 9/11 attacks as seen through the eyes of the event's youngest witnesses.
This card was one of hundreds of pieces of art sent to the American Red Cross in the wake of the attacks. Some children wanted to thank volunteers for their humanitarian efforts. Others hoped their art would be forwarded to those directly affected by the attacks.