A Day of Honor and Remembrance
The Imagine Art 2023-2024 AmeriCorps Cohort Remembers the Fallen and Honors Our First Responders.
Angst and Disbelief
While living in Tres Piedras, New Mexico, I got the devastating news about the Twin Towers in New York.
My neighbor from up the hill broke it to us during breakfast. Not knowing how to react without a TV, we had only the radio. I knew that thousands were feared dead.
In angst and disbelief, I remember repeatedly banging my fist against the outhouse door.
A grieving echo emerged from the broad expanse of sagebrush and sand.
There was no escaping this day.
Vic Martinez — AmeriCorps Member
National Day of Service
September 11 is the first National Service Day of the year for AmeriCorps. The members usually try to honor this solemn day of remembrance through artistic and community activities that bring people together. This year was no different.
Planning
The planning began on Friday, led by AmeriCorps Director Rick Hernandez. He encouraged input from each of the members to come up with a plan for Monday’s event; assisted by ASL interpreters, everybody was able to chip in with suggestions. Rick wrote them all down, and with consensus, selected the really good ones, or thought of ways to combine them to make them better. Soon, the members came up with a solid plan that was agreeable to all. (photo: Vic Martinez)
The Artistic Touch
As a way to honor all the country and bring reconciliation, the state flower from every state was assigned for artists to create. Last year’s altar was recycled and the flowers were attached to the silver towers. Also, Larry Yanez and Jan Pomeroy depicted the twin towers on canvas from two different aspects. Vic Martinez wrote a poem about where he was when he first got the news, 22 years ago.
(Some of the artist members, from l to r: Kate Chapple, Ali Simmel, Lisa Bromley, Valencia Arline, Jan Pomeroy, and Larry Yanez.) Photos: Kristin Weber
Community Activity: Honoring and Thanking First-Responders
Jan Pomeroy baked chocolate chip cookies and Melissa Morris made two batches of Mel’s famous Three Wishes—crispy gooey cereal treats. Along with Vic Martinez and videographer / IA board member Kristin Weber, they delivered the goodies to Fire Station #4 on 10th and Blanco as a way to thank the firefighters for their daily heroics.
Taking Round the Baked Goods
The AmeriCorps posing with two firefighters at Fire Station #4 after surprising them with scrumptious treats. Mel Morris is up front, flanked by Jan Pomeroy and Vic Martinez. (photo: Kristin Weber)
Posting on Social Media
Members were encouraged to snap photos of their activities to post on social media. Posing are Rick Hernandez with Larry and Lisa.
A video by Kristin Weber was also posted (Kristin’s 9/11 Video). If you haven’t already, check out more images about the day’s activities on IA Instagram.
(photo: Kristin Weber)
