Photo credit: 9/11 Memorial staff
Accession Number: C.2006.3.159
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 drawing depicting a patient in a hospital bed with a doctor by the bedside in the center. In the top left corner is an ambulance, and the top right corner contains a bottle of medicine and a spoon. In the bottom right corner is a broken heart labeled "fixer-uppers," and the bottom left corner has a Band-Aid. On the back is handwritten text that reads:
"So sorry everything bad is happening up there. I'm sure you are very busy and even sad when you can't save them. But for the ones you can you can feel good. You will always try hard and your best."
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.