9/11 kin to help weigh reading of names
Seven-year-old Maya Michelle Podejma, who lost her Uncle Lukasz Milewski on 9/11, reads the names of the victims during the annual 9/11 memorial service at Ground Zero. (Sept. 11, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the relatives of 9/11 victims will be consulted about whether they wish to discontinue the annual readings of the names of the people who perished in the attacks.
The reading will be part of this year's 10th anniversary ceremony.
In his weekly WOR-AM radio broadcast Friday, Bloomberg said some people believe change is good while others think the solemn reading of each victim's name should go on forever. He said the 9/11 memorial foundation will talk to family members and first responders to gauge their feelings.
His comments come as 17 families who haven't recovered the remains of World Trade Center victims sue to obtain the names and addresses of other families who lost relatives in the attack. Arguments are scheduled for Sept. 14 in State Supreme Court.
The group is upset about plans to put unidentified remains in a private area seven stories below the World Trade Center Museum, saying families would not be able to visit when the museum is closed. The group wants to ask other families if they approve the plan.
Thaddeus Hackworth of the city Law Department said, "Families who lost loved ones on 9/11 have a right to privacy. This lawsuit has absolutely no merit."
Michael Frazier of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum said an advisory panel of victims' families approved the idea of the repository.
