Bracelet
Photo credit: Michael Hnatov
Accession Number: T.2011.42.2
Dimensions: 0.5 in X 3 in X 6.75 in
Dimensions (Metric): 1.27 cm X 7.62 cm X 17.145 cm
Dimensions (Metric): 1.27 cm X 7.62 cm X 17.145 cm
Credit Line: Collection 9/11 Memorial Museum, Memorial Tribute Archive
Description
Metal memorial bracelet created in memory of Lawrence Virgilio and left at the 9/11 Memorial. The bracelet is engraved: "Lawrence J. Virgilio | FDNY Squad 18."
Metal memorial bracelet created in memory of Lawrence Virgilio and left at the 9/11 Memorial. The bracelet is engraved: "Lawrence J. Virgilio | FDNY Squad 18."
Historical Notes
A native of Woodside, Queens, Lawrence Virgilio lived in nearby Sunnyside with his girlfriend, Abigail. Before becoming an FDNY firefighter, Lawrence had studied ballet and performed in community theater. He enjoyed rock climbing and deep-sea diving and had twice run the New York City Marathon. On September 11, Firefighter Virgilio of Squad 18 responded to the North Tower with his unit. He was 38 years old.
A native of Woodside, Queens, Lawrence Virgilio lived in nearby Sunnyside with his girlfriend, Abigail. Before becoming an FDNY firefighter, Lawrence had studied ballet and performed in community theater. He enjoyed rock climbing and deep-sea diving and had twice run the New York City Marathon. On September 11, Firefighter Virgilio of Squad 18 responded to the North Tower with his unit. He was 38 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
