And as we near the 20th anniversary of that fateful day, author Kristie Kiernan Bouryal wants to continue that message with her new book series for children, 9/11 Courage and Tributes. Bouryal’s parents, John Kiernan, a former lieutenant in the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), and Benita Kiernan, a former nurse, inspired the series. Set as the grandparent characters in the books, the series involves them telling their grandchildren about 9/11 and the heroes that should be continuously honored. “We have a whole generation of kids who are largely uninformed about 9/11, yet we are on track to lose more people to 9/11-related illnesses than we lost that day,” Bouryal says, referencing the nearly 10,000+ first responders at World Trade Center who have been diagnosed with cancer after the toxic exposure they faced that day. Below, find an excerpt from one book, exclusive to Parade.com readers: …“That day left many people in this country, and around the world, feeling completely shocked, devastated and deeply saddened,” Grandma added. “Each special place we are going to take you to reminds us of the people we lost that day.” “What’s the name of the place we are going to now?” asked Tyler. “It’s called Angels’ Circle and it’s right here in Staten Island, New York,” Grandma replied. “How did it get started?” asked Olivia. “It all started thanks to the passion of a special woman named Wendy Furtado Pellegrino,” Grandma replied. “The night of September 11th, Wendy was very upset about what happened,” Grandma continued. “She couldn’t sleep and was tossing and turning in her bed. She decided to get up, go in her garage and paint a sign that said ‘God Bless Our Heroes.’ When she finished it, she placed it with candles in the dirt of an empty piece of land right across the street from where she lived.” “What happened next?” asked Sophia. “People responded by placing photos there of people who were missing. As time passed, people started giving Wendy small mass cards from funerals and memorials with photos of the fallen so she could display them on that land,” Grandma replied. “Soon, her mailbox was overflowing with images people left for her to add to the remembrance.” Photos: See Newspaper Front Pages Covering 9/11 “Wendy received an outpouring of support, at the beginning and through the years, from families who lost loved ones, everyday people, politicians and businesses,” Grandma said. “For many years now, a local garden center owner, Fred Ariemma, and his sons, Michael and Anthony, have donated plants, flowers, trees, and pavers and they maintain the land.” “That is so kind,” Tyler commented. “It really is,” said Grandma. “People donated fencing, had electricity installed so the area could be lit at night and donated money for holiday decorations. People also help her decorate for the holidays. You see, her efforts inspired a lot of people through the years. Together, they all made Angels’ Circle as special as it is today,” Grandma said. “The land is at the intersection of two busy roadways and now everyone knows that special place as Angels’ Circle,” Grandma continued. “All these years later, families and friends still visit regularly, along with tour buses and people from around the world, who want to pay their respects. Wendy also has a memorial service there every year, the night before September 11th.” Tyler, Olivia and Sophia were stunned. “That is an awesome story. I can’t wait to see it,” said Olivia. “It’s incredible that it all started with a sign she painted and put in the dirt,” added Tyler. “It is,” said Grandma. Just then, Grandpa made a right-hand turn and pulled into a parking space on the side of the road. “We’re here,” Grandpa said as Tyler, Olivia and Sophia looked out the window at statues of angels and the American flag flying overhead. Chapter 2 The family exited the car and held hands to cross the street. As they approached the entrance, a big, black and white sign captured their attention. “Angels’ Circle. A circle of love. A landing zone for our angels of September 11, 2001,” Tyler read aloud as the family paused before entering. Inside the fence, the family saw rows and rows of photos of people. “Wow! I can see their faces and names,” Olivia said in amazement. Looking down near the front entrance, Sophia noticed several firefighters. “Grandpa, did you know these firefighters?” she asked as she knelt in front of them. “I sure did, Soph,” Grandpa replied. “Look! This one has his picture, a poem and pictures of his family, too,” Tyler said as he closely read every word of the remembrance for Michael Esposito. He was one of Grandpa’s closest friends and a captain in the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). “Grandpa, the man right next to him is also a fireman and he has the same last name. Are they related?” Tyler asked. “Yes, they’re cousins,” replied Grandpa. “Their poor family,” Tyler said as he shook his head. Grandpa sighed and nodded. Photos: See Inside the Construction of One World Trade Center “Grandma, I see things next to the photos. Like stones with different sayings, or like this butterfly statue and that fisherman statue. Why are these things near the pictures?” Olivia asked. “Members of their family or friends put the items there because they reminded them of the person they lost,” Grandma replied. Like the rest of the family, Sophia was studying the photos one by one, slowly walking through each row. She saw women, men and firefighters. Then she came across an area with members of the City of New York Police Department (NYPD). She knelt down to look more closely at their faces and names. “Our NYPD heroes,” she read aloud. “Look, Tyler,” said Grandma. “This is your mom’s friend Lori’s father.” Tyler turned and quickly knelt in front of the remembrance for Harry Taback. “Forever missed. Cherished father, husband and grandfather. All our love for eternity,” he read aloud as he took a picture with his phone and texted it to his mother to show her. Sophia and Grandma sat together on a cement bench to take in a complete view of Angels’ Circle. “I can’t believe there are so many people here to remember,” said Sophia. “Yes, I know,” Grandma replied. “Sadly, there are a lot more who lost their lives that day.” Soon, Tyler, Olivia and Grandpa gathered around Sophia and Grandma. The whole family stared at a full view of Angels’ Circle. “It’s very beautiful,” remarked Olivia. “Yes, it is,” the family agreed… Copyright © 2019 Context Productions
