Funeral Held For WTC Victim Whose Family Founded Advocacy Group

NY One News ^ | 6/23/02 | Marjie Mohtashemi

[areafiftyone]

Saturday was supposed to be the day his family celebrated James Cartier's 27th birthday. Instead, family and friends packed a church in Queens to bid him a final farewell, more than nine months after he was killed in the World Trade Center attack.

“He was a boy eager to become a man, eager to make his parents proud,” said his brother Michael during a eulogy.

James Cartier was an apprentice electrician working on the 105th floor of tower 2. His remains were identified two months ago.

The Cartier family turned its personal tragedy into a crusade. His six brothers and sisters founded the group Give Your Voice soon after the attacks, which has become an outspoken advocate for relatives of civilian victims.

Salley Regenhard, who lost her son on September 11 and leads a family group called the Skyscraper Safety Campaign, says the Cartiers’ efforts have made a tremendous difference.

“In those days, she said, “there was not very much focus on the concerns of the civilian victims, and this family, in their grief and in their concern and in memory of their brother, brought that to light and really advocated on behalf of the thousands of lost civilians.”

“I think that what his brother and his family are doing,” said Cartier family friend Marvin Pritchett, “is keeping his memory alive and also for the other people who don't know how to speak up for themselves and don't know how to make sure that their loved ones aren't forgotten.”

Members of the electricians' union paid tribute to James by riding motorcycles with American flags in his funeral procession. His family said that kind of support is what made it possible for them to make their voices heard.

“Through their faith and profound love for our precious James, we have found hope, comfort, strength and love,” said Jennie Farrell, one of Cartier’s sisters.

[areafiftyone]

SO SAD! WE MUST NEVER FORGET!