This blog post was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Avatar photo

Danny Lopez

British Consul-General, New York

Part of Digital Diplomacy

16th September 2011 New York, USA

Reflect, Remember, Rebuild: The Tenth Anniversary of September 11th

September 11th is an immensely emotional date for New York. This year, being the Tenth Anniversary, was especially so. Our priority this year—and every year—was to support the family members of the 67 British victims.

My day started in Lower Manhattan, where I joined BBC Radio 5 Live’s Peter Allen as he broadcasted the main World Trade Centre Memorial Service. I then went to the British Garden at Hanover Square, a block away from Wall Street, and a sanctuary amidst the hustle-and-bustle of the Financial District which honours not only the British victims, but also those from Canada and Australia. Thanks to the efforts and dedication of the Garden’s tireless Board, a wonderful memorial concert was held there in the afternoon, and the event programme was very much in line with the Garden’s motto, which reads “Reflect, Remember, Rebuild.” It was an honour to join Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Australian Consul-General Phil Scanlan in leading the tributes to our countries’ victims.

In what was a very uplifting concert the highlight was, of course, the music, and I’m sure everyone who was there would agree. Tony Hadley, lead singer of the band Spandau Ballet and a fellow Brit, sang “God Save the Queen,” and the event’s guests were treated to a programme by the West Yorkshire Police Brass Band; the Allied Forces Foundation Pipes and Drums; and InChorus, Lothian & Borders Police Choir and Tayside Police Choir. Guests marvelled at the combined performance of “Highland Cathedral” by the Brass Band and the Pipes and Drums, and the choirs sang a moving and original overlapping medley of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Amazing Grace.” Attendees joined together in music, words, and fellowship, creating a fitting and moving tribute to those who were lost. 

Many Brits played a big role last Sunday helping in so many ways – the choirs and bands above; members of our Police Forces who wanted to be a part of the day; Karl Jenkins, whose “The Armed Man; A Mass For Peace” was performed at the Lincoln Center; and of course, our own Consulate staff who did a great job to help in every way they could. 

New York City will never forget the tragedy of September 11th, 2001. It is moving on but it is not forgetting; there is a spirit in the air of simultaneous remembrance and hope. This spirit serves to strengthen the resolve of New Yorkers to move forward from that terrible day with confidence, and we at the British Consulate are very proud to support those efforts. I encourage all visitors to New York to visit our Memorial Garden at Hanover Square.

About Danny Lopez

Danny was appointed British Consul-General, New York in July 2011 and has responsibility for promoting the UK’s economic profile, foreign policy and national security priorities in New York, New Jersey,…

Danny was appointed British Consul-General, New York in July 2011 and has responsibility for promoting the UK’s economic profile, foreign policy and national security priorities in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut’s Fairfield County. He is on the Board of UK Trade & Investment, the foreign commercial arm of the UK Government, and leads its operations across the USA. Prior to joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Consul-General Lopez enjoyed a varied career in the UK’s public and private sectors. From 2009 to 2011, he worked for the London Development Agency, the Mayor of London’s economic development arm, as Group Director for Business Support and Promotion. During this time, he was responsible for creating London & Partners, the UK capital’s promotional agency for business, visitors and students and was its inaugural CEO. From 2006 to 2009, he was Managing Director, Marketing & Communications at UK Trade & Investment, where he was responsible for delivering a new marketing strategy to promote and showcase the UK economy internationally. Previously, he worked at Barclays Bank for ten years, where he held a number of senior international positions, including Director of Business Banking USA in New York, Head of Inward Investment in London and Business Development Director in India. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics and a Masters in International Economics and Finance from the University of Essex. He is recently engaged to his Australian fiancee Susan and is a big fan of running, tennis, football (soccer) and Formula 1.

Follow Danny

Tags

11th british consulate danny garden general hadley jenkins karl lopez memorial new september tony york