Members Touched by Virtual Sept. 11 Memorial Tour

Feelings of sadness and fear — but also patriotism — were all renewed for Jo Anne Gabelman as she virtually toured the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. WoodmenLife invited its members to a virtual tour of the ground zero site and to share their feelings in September. It’s one example of how members can show their patriotism with WoodmenLife.

“When I first saw all the names on the 9/11 reflecting pool, I felt very sad,” said Gabelman, of Texas. “I sensed the terror the people must have felt being trapped in those towers and the helplessness the First Responders felt not being able to help.”

‘Moved and Touched’ at the 9/11 Memorial

Toniko Cox, of North Carolina, said the tour of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which was offered by the WoodmenLife Home Office, was very moving and educational.

“It really reflected the thought and care that was put into creating such an important monument to give honor to the lives that were lost, as well as a place of reflection for all of us for generations to come,” Cox said of the tour. “I was very moved and touched by the personal stories of individuals who lost their lives and how they were all connected and remembered.”

Taking the virtual tour reminded Cox how precious life is and how, in the blink of an eye, it can be taken away. “Every person listed on the memorial had a purpose and a place in history at that moment, and for that, they can never be forgotten,” she said.

Participants said they enjoyed learning about individual stories and how the monument was built. “People from every continent were touched and moved by that tragedy,” Cox said. “It is beautiful how the builders of the memorial reflected that vision from artists around the world. The placement and purpose behind each part of the Museum is fascinating. I’m looking forward to visiting it in the near future.

“The video definitely intrigued me and made me want to learn more.”

Hannah Branch, a teenager from Mississippi who watched the documentary, said she learned about specific victims, and that it reinforced the seriousness of the tragedy. It also left her wanting to learn more, particularly about the search and rescue dogs that helped the First Responders, and reflecting on what it means to be patriotic.

“My definition of patriotism is being a good citizen and supporting your country along with your fellow countrymen,” she said.

Sacrifice and Patriotism

Gloria King, of South Carolina, said the 9/11 Memorial site pays tribute to the people who made the ultimate sacrifice — and they deserve to be remembered. The virtual tour evoked a feeling of patriotism for many viewers, including “a love of one’s country,” said Joanna Thompson, a WoodmenLife Representative from California.

Gabelman added: “I really enjoyed hearing the stories that many of the heroes had to tell. Patriotism means freedom, freedom to speak and to worship as we please; love for our country; honoring the men and women who fought for it; and respecting the flag.”

For Cox, patriotism means humility and humanity — caring for one another despite differences.

“Patriotism is having a sense of pride, but not arrogance — to be proud of the accomplishment, while striving to do better for the good of all, and taking care of each other in good and bad times,” she said.

Future Visits

Viewers said they hope to tour the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in person and highly encourage others to do the same.

“Plan to visit the Museum, as well as the reflecting pools,” Gabelman said. “The Museum is very interesting. There are so many things from that sad day to see firsthand.”

The tragedy and viewing the 9/11 Memorial brought forth many emotions for the virtual viewers.

“At the end of the day, we are all one,” Cox said. “The heroic actions of others saved thousands of lives. As much as we wish that day had never happened, it had a purpose. It brought out the undying love that we have for life, loving thy neighbor and caring for each other, especially in times of need. It would be easy to have anger in our hearts about that tragedy, but we would miss the love and bravery that were displayed that day for those who gave their lives to help others and those who lost their lives. Their memories live on.”

Learn More

To learn more about WoodmenLife and the love of country that unites members, visit its patriotism website.