About The Memorial

^ Back To Top ^ Why 343?

A memorial stands in remembrance – and in honor -- of fallen firefighters in more than 40 states around our country.  On 9/11/01, we in New York City lost 343 of our firefighters in the line of duty, trying to save lives in one of the most horrific events our city has ever experienced. 

As we near the 10th anniversary of this tragedy, those of us who lost our "brothers" on that day – and the families whose husbands, fathers, sons, siblings, boyfriends and best friends died – want to erect a memorial for these men.   A place to mourn and to celebrate those who have fallen – a remembrance of them individually, and yet a place be with them as a whole - a place for the city to honor them, and for the country to remember.

^ Back To Top ^ The Concept

The 343 Firefighter's Memorial Project believes it has created just such a place to commemorate the losses of that day. 

The memorial will be comprised of 343 individual paintings of the helmet of a fallen firefighter who died on 9/11, painted by 343 different artists that range from prominent painters to high school students.

We chose the helmet because it is a symbol of the job, and therefore a treasured item to a firefighter.  Each painting will be the same size and composed in a realistic style, capturing the color, shape and the insignia indicating the fallen firefighter's rank and company as well as the well-worn grooves from years on the job, stickers and other designs that meant something to each one of them.

^ Back To Top ^ A House of Houses

The artwork will be displayed in a four-sided pavilion. Each of the four sides will have separate, indented panels to represent each firehouse that lost firefighters in the collapse, and the "houses" will be arranged in the order they responded -- from right to left – when visitors enter the structure.  Fittingly, we call it the "House of Houses". It is a touring memorial for all to honor them, an educational tool for the country to learn about them, and a testament to their service, so that we will always remember.