On March 11 we had the privilege of holding a reception at Camperdown in honor of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, with representatives visiting Wellington from New York. With over 80 guests representing countries that lost citizens on September 11, 2001, and representatives from New Zealand’s first responders, we shared the story and role of the memorial and museum in continuing to keep the memories of those perished alive. Storytelling was at the heart of the event, with Christchurch Metro fireman, Wayne Hamilton relating the significance of the 9/11 Memorial sculpture in Christchurch, which has become a place of reflection and peace for first responders in the city, particularly following the Christchurch earthquakes.

