FDNY Kin Fight WTC Politics
FDNY kinfight WTC politics
By PAUL D. COLFORDDAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Widows, children and other relatives of some 70 city firefighters killed on 9/11 are hitting the Internet in a bid to keep politics far away from the planned Ground Zero memorial.
Among the thousands "signing" an online petition to "take back the memorial" are loved ones of Chief Peter Ganci, the FDNY's highest-ranking uniformed officer, who was directing rescue efforts at the north tower when it collapsed.
Son Christopher Ganci is now training to become a New York firefighter. His sister, Danielle, is due to marry one of New York's Bravest.
"We feel very strongly about this," Kathleen Ganci, the chief's widow, told the Daily News.
Ground Zero is "almost like a religious place," she added.
The petition, at takebackthememorial- .org, tells Gov. Pataki, Mayor Bloomberg and the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. that "the World Trade Center Memorial should stand as a solemn remembrance of those who died" on 9/11.
Referring to the International Freedom Center, due to occupy a nearby building with the Drawing Center, the petition adds, "Political discussions have no place" at the memorial.
Some relatives of 9/11 victims fear the Freedom Center and the Drawing Center might mount politically charged exhibits unsuitable for Ground Zero.
LMDC officials have been in talks with the two groups about their exhibition plans.
"We believe our institution must and will honor humanity's march toward freedom and highlight America's role as a beacon for freedom throughout the world," the Freedom Center recently told the LMDC.
Retired firefighter Paul Seidel, whose son, Gary, perished along with other members of Rescue Co. 1, said he added his name because "I believe it [the site] should be strictly for 9/11."
Robert Shurbet, who also writes a conservative political blog called Lime Shurbet, started the petition last month. Originally published on July 22, 2005
By PAUL D. COLFORDDAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Widows, children and other relatives of some 70 city firefighters killed on 9/11 are hitting the Internet in a bid to keep politics far away from the planned Ground Zero memorial.
Among the thousands "signing" an online petition to "take back the memorial" are loved ones of Chief Peter Ganci, the FDNY's highest-ranking uniformed officer, who was directing rescue efforts at the north tower when it collapsed.
Son Christopher Ganci is now training to become a New York firefighter. His sister, Danielle, is due to marry one of New York's Bravest.
"We feel very strongly about this," Kathleen Ganci, the chief's widow, told the Daily News.
Ground Zero is "almost like a religious place," she added.
The petition, at takebackthememorial- .org, tells Gov. Pataki, Mayor Bloomberg and the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. that "the World Trade Center Memorial should stand as a solemn remembrance of those who died" on 9/11.
Referring to the International Freedom Center, due to occupy a nearby building with the Drawing Center, the petition adds, "Political discussions have no place" at the memorial.
Some relatives of 9/11 victims fear the Freedom Center and the Drawing Center might mount politically charged exhibits unsuitable for Ground Zero.
LMDC officials have been in talks with the two groups about their exhibition plans.
"We believe our institution must and will honor humanity's march toward freedom and highlight America's role as a beacon for freedom throughout the world," the Freedom Center recently told the LMDC.
Retired firefighter Paul Seidel, whose son, Gary, perished along with other members of Rescue Co. 1, said he added his name because "I believe it [the site] should be strictly for 9/11."
Robert Shurbet, who also writes a conservative political blog called Lime Shurbet, started the petition last month. Originally published on July 22, 2005
posted by "Faces of the Brave" at
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