Working at the 9/11 Memorial
Thousands of people visit the 9/11 memorial, one of New York City’s most popular landmarks, everyday. Visitors snap pictures with the roses and flags, take tours around the site or sit and take in their surroundings.
The two pools with the names etched around the border and the museum nearby tell the stories of the first responders, the families of victims, and the people who died. The volunteers, associates, security members and caretakers who work there have their own histories with the memorial as well.
William King and Costas Catramados are two New Yorkers who sell souvenirs for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Both have their own stories about working at the memorial.
“Everyone has a different connection here,” King says.
He says he thinks of his mom often while working, because he’s almost lost her several times. Being around the memorial and other grieving family members affects him mentally.
The emotional toll of working near the site of the attacks and listening to the stories of still grieving family members has affected King and Catramados differently.
Catramados says he believes his $16 an hour pay is fair relative to what he does. King says he believes that more should be done to prepare workers for the somber stories and family members they encounter.
Still, despite their different experiences, they both feel a sense of duty working there.
“I always feel like I’m doing something good, like I’m pushing a better narrative,” King said. “I have a little sister and I feel like I’m working somewhere where she can come and learn something.”
