The 911 Heart Symbol Story
The 911 Heart Symbol was created and designed by artist Louie Ponstingel. In the wake of 9/11/2001, Louie became involved in many projects dedicated to 9/11 organizations. He designed and created the 9/11 Heart Symbol which has been used to raise funds for various 9/11 charities over the years and has been displayed in many news articles, television segments and highlighted in a former G.W. Bush's presidential campaign.
Louie also designed many tribute memorials including the 9/11 Heart Symbol Monument which was built and dedicated to the many people who lost their lives. The monument permanently stands in Paterson, NJ where a yearly memorial takes place. (you can see photos below).
The History and Future of The 911 Heart Symbol
My name is Louie Ponstingel. Born in Manhattan and was raised and lived in Paterson, NJ for most of my life. My father was a Captain of the Paterson Fire Department. As I got older I also held various Civil Service positions such as a Fire Alarm Operator for the Paterson Fire Department, a police dispatcher for the Passaic County Sheriff's Department , a Paterson Police Department Chief's Aide, a police sketch artist and a Passaic County Corrections Officer.
When the tragedy of 9/11/2001 struck our country, like so many Americans, I was overwhelmed and devastated. During such a time of disbelief and sadness, I sat in my studio and started to draw as I tried to wrap my head around what had just occurred. I had no intention or idea that this would or could be anything special. I just drew what I was feeling that would show my support, love and remembrance for who were lost that day. As an artist, this brought me a sense of comfort. I too, knew people who were lost, who were sent into action and who were volunteering their rescue efforts by spending many hours at Ground Zero. The result was what is now known as The 9/11 Heart Symbol. I made up a few stickers to give to my family, friends.
Before I knew it, in the following days, I had people showing up outside my studio door asking to buy this symbol that I had designed with the simple intention of showing my personal support. I decided to create more and raise funds from the sales. With the contributions, I donated to the Red Cross , World Trade Center Families Group and Injured Marine Fund.
Shortly after the attacks, I worked at Ground Zero for Yanuzzi Construction and at also Fresh Kills in Staten Island for Phillips Jordan where I lettered equipment and directional signage. After work hours, I volunteered my personal time there but eventually had to stop due to a hand injury I received while working on site. After seeing such devastation and feeling so many emotions, it became even more personal and clear to me that this symbol needs to be embraced by all. A visual that projected love, healing and remembrance.
Since then, The Symbol has appeared in many newspapers, articles, media productions, highlighted in former Pres. G.W. Bush’s campaign and more recently on The Yes Network NY Yankees 10th Anniversary Special. I was honored to have designed a granite memorial and park that was erected in Paterson, NJ and dedicated to resident Kenneth Lira who worked in the WTC, 1st Responders and other victims of that terrible day. Each and every time I attend a memorial service there, I hear family members speak the same words, "You’re always in our hearts.” and ‘You’ll never be forgotten”. This gives me the inspiration that The 911 Heart Symbol is so fitting. It is always an honor to be continually invited to attend the annual ceremonies.
I realize that as many people have embraced this symbol, there are still so many who are not aware that it exists. I believe it to be a beautiful symbol that should be seen and remembered. Just as the POW/MIA symbol brings a sense of comfort to those who show their respect by flying it’s flag or wearing a pin, The 9/11 Heart Symbol is for the 9/11 victims, others that have died since, whether from this terrible war or 9/11 related illnesses and also the survivors.
My vision and mission is to have those who perished and those affected to Never Be Forgotten. To have the 9/11 Heart Symbol introduced to the Nation as a national symbol of unity and healing. For it to serve us as a daily reminder to never take our lives or the lives of others for granted. I want to use the symbol to continue to raise funds for various charities. I truly believe it is my calling to help this become a tribute to those taken from us too soon.
My mission is to have the 9/11 Heart Symbol used in cooperation with all Federal, State and Local governments, school boards, Major League Baseball, National Football League, along with every national Sept. 11th memorial to unite Americans in a fitting and lasting tribute beginning on the 15th anniversary in 2016. This can be accomplished by coordinating various flag raising ceremonies, MLB, NFL displaying the symbol, handing out stickers to fans at games, selling various 9/11 products at museums, functions, etc. My dream and desire is to see the 9/11 flag fly from every flagpole in this Great Nation.
We carry those we lost in our hearts. They will be NEVER FORGOTTEN.
The 911 Heart Symbol was created and designed by artist Louie Ponstingel. In the wake of 9/11/2001, Louie became involved in many projects dedicated to 9/11 organizations. He designed and created the 9/11 Heart Symbol which has been used to raise funds for various 9/11 charities over the years and has been displayed in many news articles, television segments and highlighted in a former G.W. Bush's presidential campaign.
Louie also designed many tribute memorials including the 9/11 Heart Symbol Monument which was built and dedicated to the many people who lost their lives. The monument permanently stands in Paterson, NJ where a yearly memorial takes place. (you can see photos below).
The History and Future of The 911 Heart Symbol
My name is Louie Ponstingel. Born in Manhattan and was raised and lived in Paterson, NJ for most of my life. My father was a Captain of the Paterson Fire Department. As I got older I also held various Civil Service positions such as a Fire Alarm Operator for the Paterson Fire Department, a police dispatcher for the Passaic County Sheriff's Department , a Paterson Police Department Chief's Aide, a police sketch artist and a Passaic County Corrections Officer.
When the tragedy of 9/11/2001 struck our country, like so many Americans, I was overwhelmed and devastated. During such a time of disbelief and sadness, I sat in my studio and started to draw as I tried to wrap my head around what had just occurred. I had no intention or idea that this would or could be anything special. I just drew what I was feeling that would show my support, love and remembrance for who were lost that day. As an artist, this brought me a sense of comfort. I too, knew people who were lost, who were sent into action and who were volunteering their rescue efforts by spending many hours at Ground Zero. The result was what is now known as The 9/11 Heart Symbol. I made up a few stickers to give to my family, friends.
Before I knew it, in the following days, I had people showing up outside my studio door asking to buy this symbol that I had designed with the simple intention of showing my personal support. I decided to create more and raise funds from the sales. With the contributions, I donated to the Red Cross , World Trade Center Families Group and Injured Marine Fund.
Shortly after the attacks, I worked at Ground Zero for Yanuzzi Construction and at also Fresh Kills in Staten Island for Phillips Jordan where I lettered equipment and directional signage. After work hours, I volunteered my personal time there but eventually had to stop due to a hand injury I received while working on site. After seeing such devastation and feeling so many emotions, it became even more personal and clear to me that this symbol needs to be embraced by all. A visual that projected love, healing and remembrance.
Since then, The Symbol has appeared in many newspapers, articles, media productions, highlighted in former Pres. G.W. Bush’s campaign and more recently on The Yes Network NY Yankees 10th Anniversary Special. I was honored to have designed a granite memorial and park that was erected in Paterson, NJ and dedicated to resident Kenneth Lira who worked in the WTC, 1st Responders and other victims of that terrible day. Each and every time I attend a memorial service there, I hear family members speak the same words, "You’re always in our hearts.” and ‘You’ll never be forgotten”. This gives me the inspiration that The 911 Heart Symbol is so fitting. It is always an honor to be continually invited to attend the annual ceremonies.
I realize that as many people have embraced this symbol, there are still so many who are not aware that it exists. I believe it to be a beautiful symbol that should be seen and remembered. Just as the POW/MIA symbol brings a sense of comfort to those who show their respect by flying it’s flag or wearing a pin, The 9/11 Heart Symbol is for the 9/11 victims, others that have died since, whether from this terrible war or 9/11 related illnesses and also the survivors.
My vision and mission is to have those who perished and those affected to Never Be Forgotten. To have the 9/11 Heart Symbol introduced to the Nation as a national symbol of unity and healing. For it to serve us as a daily reminder to never take our lives or the lives of others for granted. I want to use the symbol to continue to raise funds for various charities. I truly believe it is my calling to help this become a tribute to those taken from us too soon.
My mission is to have the 9/11 Heart Symbol used in cooperation with all Federal, State and Local governments, school boards, Major League Baseball, National Football League, along with every national Sept. 11th memorial to unite Americans in a fitting and lasting tribute beginning on the 15th anniversary in 2016. This can be accomplished by coordinating various flag raising ceremonies, MLB, NFL displaying the symbol, handing out stickers to fans at games, selling various 9/11 products at museums, functions, etc. My dream and desire is to see the 9/11 flag fly from every flagpole in this Great Nation.
We carry those we lost in our hearts. They will be NEVER FORGOTTEN.