The 9/11 Memorial & Museum features photos of more than 2,977 people killed during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
According to its website, the museum “bears solemn witness to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. Respecting this site made sacred through loss, the Memorial and Museum remembers and honors the nearly 3,000 victims of these attacks and all those who risked their lives to save others.”
However, the “In Memorium” exhibit could not find photos to honor two victims who lost their lives 20 years ago. Both Albert Ogletree and Antonio Dorsey Pratt were working as cafeteria handlers at the World Trade Center that morning before the attacks left a lasting imprint on the city of New York. While no photos were available for the two men, the exhibit used tiles with Swamp White Oak tree leaves that symbolized the trees planted at the site a few years after the attacks, the Washington Post reported.
“It always bothered me that they didn’t have photos — there was a hole in their stories that needed to be filled,” said 30-year-old Grant Llera, who started working at the National September 11 Memorial Museum a year ago.
According to museum records, Llera was able to honor one of the cafeteria food handlers by finding a photo of 49-year-old Ogletree, who was trapped at the top of the North Tower when it collapsed.
“I’d like to also find a photo of Antonio, but at least we now have some answers about Albert,” Llera said. “Finding this small reminder of him makes me think of the motto we have at the exhibit: ‘No day shall erase you from the memory of time.’”
He obtained the photograph with the help of councilwoman Kathy Abdo, who represents Romulus, Michigan. The 30-year-old also found out that Ogletree grew up in the suburbs west of Detroit. Abdo, a former teacher for the suburban Detroit school system, suggested that Llera look through the school’s yearbooks to locate a photo of Ogletree. She was able to find a picture of the 49-year-old and lent it to the museum so they could use it in the exhibit.
The tile oak tree was replaced on March 15 with an image of Ogletree from a 1966 high school yearbook from Romulus High School.
Though finding photos for both men was essential to Llera, he said he wanted to focus on Ogletree after finding an obituary of his late wife. His research led him to find Justine Jones, Ogletree’s stepdaughter, who confirmed that the photo in the yearbook was her stepfather. She described Ogletree as “a loving man” who played a crucial role in her life.
“It is a place no one wishes their loved one to be seen, given the circumstances of why they are there,” said Jan S. Ramirez, the museum’s chief curator. “Nonetheless, it is so rewarding to retire that leaf icon tile with the replacement of this quietly compelling portrait.”
Ogletree was born on December 25, 1951, in the suburbs of Detroit. After marrying his wife, Kathleen, the two moved to New York City, where he worked as a food handler for Cantor Fitzgerald. The financial services firm occupied several top floors of the North Tower.
“I hope that we can find some answers and replace the last oak leaf,” Llera said.
After the leaf was replaced next to Ogletree’s name, Llera firmly pressed his palm against it and proudly honored the beloved cafeteria worker.
“I said to myself, ‘We did it, man.’”
