Living History is an ongoing series showcasing just a small assortment of the more than 350,000 items housed at The Salvation Army Heritage Centre in Toronto. This month, we spotlight some of the 9/11 mementos that have been donated to the centre.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, The Salvation Army was on the scene, providing food, comfort and faith. 

The Army spent nearly nine months at Ground Zero and provided more than three million meals after the attacks, supplying food, beverages and other essential items to rescue workers, and continued to give physical and spiritual care throughout the entire rescue, recovery and cleanup operation. The Salvation Army’s work at Ground Zero came to an end on May 30, 2002, as the cleanup of the site concluded.

The Canada and Bermuda Territory sent five teams to New York City to assist with the rescue and relief efforts. In total, 229 officers, employees and volunteers gave their time and support during that period. This was part of Operation: Compassion Under Fire, a relief effort unprecedented in the history of emergency and disaster services for the Army’s Greater New York Division.

Lt-Colonel Lynda Watt was part of the last team sent in, spending two weeks in New York City in May 2002. She spoke with and listened to the stories of police officers, firefighters and other rescue people. In addition to being a chaplain, then Major Watt made beds, handed out food, beverages and personal care items, and helped provide workers with hand-washing facilities and a place to sit and rest. Lt-Colonel Watt donated several items from her time helping in the relief effort to the Heritage Centre, including this lanyard and banner.

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