Collection Highlights
Preserving the Memories and Mementos of September 11, 2001
On September 11, 2001, the world saw the horrifying terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. Many people worldwide rushed to American embassies to deliver…
Secretary Pompeo Commemorates the Anniversary of September 11, 2001
It’s been 18 years since the September 11 attacks left nearly 3,000 people dead in the worst act of terrorism the nation has ever experienced. Marking the 18th anniversary, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo visited the National Museum of American Diplomacy’s (NMAD) September 11 exhibit to remember those we lost on that tragic day, but to also highlight America’s resolve and the global outpouring of support for the United States following the attacks. After laying a wreath to honor the victims, Secretary Pompeo spoke about the Department of State’s unique role in working with our partners noting “September 11th also showed how many friends the U.S. has around the world.”
The National Museum of American Diplomacy’s exhibit showcases America’s resolve including a brick retrieved from Osama Bin Laden’s compound, on loan from the CIA Museum. Secretary Pompeo, who is also the former Director of the CIA, remarked, “May we honor the victims through the defense of our homeland.” After the attacks, U.S. embassies and consulates received condolence material such as personal mementos, letters, and drawings. Many of these items were shipped to the Department of State in Washington, and now are included in the collections of the NMAD. This condolence material represents unwavering support for Americans in their time of need and a global repudiation of terrorism.
Specific examples from the collection include:
- Students at Norwood School, Johannesburg, South Africa, sent a spiral bound booklet of colorful drawings and encouraging notes to the U.S. consulate.
- Firefighters from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service offered a helmet with heartfelt inscriptions to the U.S. consulate in Sydney, Australia.
- Schoolchildren in Japan created extensive chains of origami swans as symbols of peace.
- House Resolution 786 (For the duration of the ceremony), signed in the wake of the Sept 11, 2012 attack on the US compound in Benghazi, Libya to honor the fallen and condemn the attackers.
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Signed Copy of House Resolution 786
Following a deteriorating security situation in Libya and attacks on U.S. properties elsewhere in the region, the U.S. government compound in the Libyan city of Benghazi came under a heavy and deadly attack on the evening of September 11, 2012. The U.S. Ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens was at the compound…
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Inscribed Firefighter’s Helmet
After the 9/11 attacks, U.S. embassies and consulates around the world became memorial sites, filled with offerings of all kinds. Condolence gifts included flowers, candles, personal notes, drawings, and mementos. International first responders also expressed their sorrow at the loss of so many who had given their lives in the face of…
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“We are Americans” Note
After the 9/11 attacks, U.S. embassies and consulates around the world became memorial sites, filled with offerings of all kinds. Condolence gifts included flowers, candles, personal notes, drawings, and mementos. International first responders also expressed their sorrow at the loss of so many who had given their lives in the face of…
