Approximately 1 month after the tragic events of 9/11, Brett Hill (a South Pasadena Firefighter/Paramedic) met with a neighboring LAFD friend who had just returned from working alongside FDNY firefighters at Ground Zero. Hill asked his friend what moved him the most during his deployment in lower Manhattan. His friend replied, "As we were getting ready to leave we were shaking the hands of the FDNY Firefighters we had worked with for 2 weeks--one firefighter grabbed my hand tightly--looked me straight in the eyes and said--PLEASE DON'T FORGET US." Those 4 words led Hill to begin a project that would work to get a 9/11 Tribute Patch on the uniformed sleeves of all firefighters across the country to help honor and remember the heroes of 9/11. Net proceeds of the sale of the patches would go on to benefit the families of the firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.
The 9/11 Patch Project (Formally the National Firefighters 9-11 Memorial Patch) was established December of 2001 after the Thank You America Bike Tour ended their 3000 mile bike ride across America to thank American's for their generous love and support, following 9-11-01. It was at this end of ride ceremonies in Pasadena that the design for a tribute patch was unveiled by Brett Hill, stationed 1 mile away in South Pasadena. It was important for Hill to receive the blessing of FDNY Firefighters prior to launching the project.
In the years that followed, over 10000 organizations in 30 different countries participated by purchasing patches for their uniforms and other clothing as well as decals for helmets, emergency vehicles and private vehicles. This was to show their support of the project, honor the lost heroes of 9/11 and to help raise funds for 9/11 related charities. On September 11, 2002, 1 year after the tragic event, $15,000.00 was donated to the UFA Widows and Children's Fund of the FDNY. This was all accomplished by only selling the Original 9/11 Patches at $3 each. The project also grew to include all 1st Responders and our U.S. Military.
The Toll Continues to Climb From 9/11: 2,996 lives were lost as a result of the terrorist attacks on 9/11. 265 lost from 4 planes, 2,606 lost in the two Wold Trade Center towers (including 343 firefighters and 72 NYPD and PAPD officers), 125 from the Pentagon (including 55 military personnel). Lives continue to be lost, even today. According to the Feal Good Foundation, 1000's who worked on the rescue and recovery efforts during 9/11 and the days/weeks/months that followed, are sick from respiratory and cancer related illnesses. Nearly 1000 have died as a result of these 9/11 related illnesses! We strongly support the efforts of John Feal and the the Feal Good Foundation who are responsible for the passing of the James Zadroga Act/ 9/11 Health and Compensation Fund. John and his crews tireless efforts over the years are exactly why thousands are being compensated today for their 9/11 related cancers and illnesses.
PARTICIPATING: Any Fire, EMS, Police or Military organization can participate by ordering any of the patches from us HERE. Most of your organizations have strict guidelines for what goes on your uniforms so you will most likely need to run the project across your uniform committee or Supervisor. If adding the patch to your uniforms is not possible, we recommend you add the patch to your personal jackets, job-shirts, sweatshirts or other approved on-duty casual wear. Many soldiers have a place on their military issues where they can place their own personal patch. They do this with the use of velcro so the patch can be removed in the event they go into combat. This also works with firefighting turnout gear as well.
Thanks for your continued support of this project and helping to keep the memory of those who perished on 9/11 alive as well as honoring those today who continue to risk it all! See our QUICK LOOKS on the home page to see how you can get involved and help out.