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Dec/13/2021 - Wixom VFW Post 2269 and Memorial Bracelets Partner to Increase Entries in Student Scholarship Program
Since Memorial Bracelets mission is to donate $2.00 from the sale of every bracelet purchased on its website to non-profit organizations, they donated the $500 to be given to the Voice of Democracy and the Patriot’s Pen scholarship winners. To generate awareness of the scholarships, Memorial Bracelets also created and donated the funds to run local Facebook ads directing students and their parents to the scholarship pages on the Post 2269 website. The ads directly generated entries and awareness among teachers and coaches who passed the information about the scholarships to parents. This local buzz increased the number of entries for both scholarships.
To recognize the students who submitted the winning essay and video, Post 2269 invited them to the hall to enjoy dinner and a slice of celebratory cake. That night, they also receive a plaque from Memorial Bracelets, recognition certificates from the VFW and their scholarships. The winner of the Voice of Democracy scholarship was Evan Brueckner and the scholarship for the best essay written for the Patriot’s Pen scholarship went to Amanda Lu.
Both organizations wish these two students the best of luck in the district-level scholarship competition and look forward to partnering again next year to generate even more awareness in their local community.
July/21/2021 - Memorial Bracelets Keep the Memory of Those Lost on 9/11 Alive
While wearing a Vietnam War POW/MIA bracelet in the early 70’s for Major Leland Hildebrand, Rob Tacy thought about what the Major was going through every day as a prisoner of war while he was safe in America. Based on the deep personal connection that bracelet gave him to the POW, Rob wanted to know the meaning Memorial Bracelets had for those who currently wore them. To understand the reason, he began asking people to share the story behind why they wore theirs.
The following are some excerpts of stories received shortly after 9/11:
- “We lost my father's best friend (my godfather) on Sept 11th, and it's our way of keeping him close.”
- “Being a survivor of the WTC, I wanted to memorialize a New York City Firefighter. I will forever carry his name in my heart.
- “I am on active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I wear it as a reminder of what we are fighting for and to remember the victims of that tragic day in September.”
- “My sister was Judy Larocque. She was on AA Flight 11. One never recovers from our tragedy, but at least I will not let her be forgotten.”
September 11th, 2021, marks 20 years since the 2001 terrorist attacks. Many will never forget the name of the person on their Vietnam War POW/MIA bracelet. For those wearing Memorial Bracelets, they too will always remember the name of the person they wore on their wrist in memory of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
About Memorial Bracelets
As a father of two young boys, Rob Tacy knew how devastating it would be for his family if he were suddenly gone and decided to raise funds for the children who lost one or both parents on 9/11. To accomplish this, he created the first Memorial Bracelet, launched www.MemorialBracelets.com on October 23rd, 2001, and began donating $2.00 of every product purchased to the Twin Tower Orphan Fund.
Memorial Bracelets has donated $35,000 to that cause and over $332,000 in total to charities that support the families of victims and heroes. By request, the site has grown to include the names of military members KIA in Iraq and Afghanistan and those KIA, POW, MIA, and RR during the Vietnam War. People can also request names be added to the site so others can be honored by completing a Special Recognition form at https://www.memorialbracelets.com/request.
Nov/01/2012 - Memorial Bracelets Recognizes Military Working Dog Handlers and their 9-K partners
As a tribute to the job of Military Working Dog Handlers Killed In Action (KIA), Memorial Bracelets has designated them on the www.MemorialBracelets.com web site by adding the abbreviation MWDH next to their branch of service. To also recognize their K-9 partners, Memorial Bracelets has listed the Military Working Dogs Killed In Action (KIA) on the web site so awareness of their service can also be generated by wearing an engraved bracelet or dog tag.
There are an estimated 2,300 dogs currently serving in the U.S. military. Approximately 200-300 of these are serving with American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. These dogs support the war on terror by patrolling and detecting explosives and drugs. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, four handlers and one K-9 have been lost, and during Operation Enduring Freedom, 13 handlers and five K-9s have been killed in action in Afghanistan.
“Not to take anything away from the sacrifice our soldiers who have been killed in action have made for this country, we thought it was also important to recognize the K-9s who have given their lives working to protect our fighting men and women from harm,” said Rob Tacy, President of Memorial Bracelets. “Dinomt was the most recent military working dog lost. This member of the Navy was killed in late September while stationed in Afghanistan,” Tacy added.
After serving their country, these animals can come home not only wounded and the military has discovered that they can also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) just like their human counterparts. To help the people who adopt them cover the cost of these conditions, the Retired Military Working Dog Assistance Organization is working to reclassify these animals from “excess equipment” to “canine service members” after their retirement. Lisa Phillips, Founder of the Retired Military Working Dog Assistance Organization said, "All of us in the organization appreciate Memorial Bracelets honoring our MWDs with engraved bracelets and dog tags. MWDs go into battle without hesitation alongside their human battle buddies. They put their lives on the line daily. It is heartwarming that with the help of Memorial Bracelets everyone can now show these 4-legged heroes our love and support, just as they have shown for our nation."
Retired Military Working Dog Assistance Organization The Retired Military Working Dog Assistance Organization is a non-profit organization based in Universal City, Texas. It takes donations to help cover the medical costs after a Military Working Dog retires, so that tax dollars aren’t used, and they can live a better, more comfortable life after they have finished serving our country. Too many times people have signed up to commit their home to a retiring MWD and then found the medical finances too much of a burden. If the RMWDAO can help take some of that financial worry off their shoulders, more good people will be able to provide the caring homes these dogs need. For more information about RMWDAO, please visit www.rmwdao.org.
Aug/30/2011 - Memorial Bracelets Donates $25,000 to Twin Towers Orphan Fund
Memorial Bracelets.com donated $25,000 to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund to help the children who lost their parents in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, or onboard one of the downed airliners. Memorial Bracelets is donating to The Twin Towers Orphan Fund because it was the first charity they supported in 2001 when they launched the site to raise funds for the victim’s families shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Memorial Bracelets.com started the movement of creating bracelets to remember lost loved ones and raise funds for their family. “From sales on the MemorialBracelets.com web site, we were thrilled to reach our goal of donating $25,000 by the ten-year anniversary,” said Rob Tacy, President of Memorial Bracelets. “We appreciate the support of our customers to keep the memories of the heroes and victims of terrorism alive with engraved Memorial Bracelets and Dog Tags to make this donation possible,” he added.
The non-profit Twin Towers Orphan Fund was founded to help the children who lost parents on 9/11. Sadly, though nearly 10 years have passed, this tragedy is still very fresh in the memories of those left behind. As such, the varying degrees of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that many of the children experience are amplified during important stages later in their lives, such as puberty, entering college, and getting married. “We are so proud that Memorial Bracelets has once again chosen to help this charity, and humbled to be included in the list of worthwhile charitable efforts Rob has chosen to support,” said Michele Ritter, CEO/President of the Twin Towers Orphan Fund. “Their generosity will go far in helping the children with their ongoing relief effort; we honor their compassion and the impact their donation will have in the lives of the children,” she added.
To help people to never forget the tragedy of September 11th, and to honor all those who perished, Memorial Bracelets is offering special Supportive Message Bracelets and Dog Tags. The commemorations are three-line messages such as GONE … BUT NOT FORGOTTEN, ALWAYS IN MY HEART and WE WILL NEVER FORGET, with SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, TEN YEARS LATER - 2011 also engraved.
About The Twin Towers Orphan Fund
The Twin Towers Orphan Fund is a non-profit fund founded on September 11, 2001, for the sole purpose of providing educational and welfare assistance to the children who were orphaned (who lost one or both parents) by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The mission of the Twin Towers Orphan Fund is to provide long-term higher educational assistance and mental and physical healthcare assistance for children who lost parents in the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, or onboard the four downed airliners, and children of victims of future terrorist attacks.
Feb/15/2011 - Memorial Bracelets Commemorates September 11th Ten Years Later
To commemorate the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Memorial Bracelets has committed to donating the $2.00 raised from the sale of each bracelet and dog tag to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund from September 11, 2010 - 2011.
Memorial Bracelets is partnering again with The Twin Towers Orphan Fund because it was the first charity they supported in 2001 after the fall of the World Trade Center, the destruction at the Pentagon, and the downing of the four airliners. Between 2002 – 2003, Memorial Bracelets donated $10,000 to The Twin Towers Orphan Fund. From September 11, 2010, to February 11, 2011, they have already donated an additional $10,000. “Our Goal is to donate over $25,000 by the ten-year anniversary,” said Rob Tacy, President of Memorial Bracelets.
The non-profit Twin Towers Orphan Fund was founded to help the children who lost parents on 9/11. “Sadly, though nearly 10 years have passed, this tragedy is still very fresh in the memories and emotions of those left behind. As such, the varying degrees of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that many of the children experience are amplified during important stages later in their lives, such as puberty, entering college, and getting married,” said Michele Ritter, Co-Founder/CEO of the Twin Towers Orphan Fund. “Rob understands the uniqueness of the children we serve, and we are forever grateful for his efforts and the generosity of the people who support the website. The donations from Memorial Bracelets will go a long way in providing the assistance the children require at every stage in their childhood.” she added.
To help raise additional funds, to remember the tragedy of September 11th, and to honor all those who perished, Memorial Bracelets is also offering special Commemorative Message Bracelets and Dog Tags. The commemorations are three-line messages such as GONE … BUT NOT FORGOTTEN, ALWAYS IN MY HEART and WE WILL NEVER FORGET, with SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, TEN YEARS LATER - 2011 also engraved. “It is imperative that Americans don’t forget the tragic events that occurred on September 11th and to always remember those who died at the hands of terrorist, so that these types of tragedies never happen again,” said Rob.
About Memorial Bracelets
With the launch in October of 2001 of the Memorial Bracelets website, the idea of wearing a bracelet to support a cause was revitalized by Rob Tacy. The site was created to raise funds for September 11th heroes and victims of terrorism. Since its inception, by donating $2.00 of every bracelet or dog tag purchased, Memorial Bracelets has donated over $105,000 to charities supporting these families and those of Vietnam POWs and MIAs, and U.S. soldiers wounded or fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. To read hundreds of stories about why Americans are wearing Memorial Bracelets to honor the memory of a fallen soldier or lost loved one, please visit the Why Wear blog.
About The Twin Towers Orphan Fund
The Twin Towers Orphan Fund is a non-profit fund founded on September 11, 2001 for the sole purpose of providing educational and welfare assistance to the children who were orphaned (who lost one or both parents) by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The mission of the Twin Towers Orphan Fund is to provide long-term higher educational assistance and mental and physical health-care assistance for (a) children who lost parents in the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, or on-board the four downed airliners, and (b) children of victims of future terrorist attacks. For more information about TTOF.
May/24/2010 - The History of Memorial Bracelets
The idea of creating Memorial Bracelets came to Rob while he was watching the news immediately following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. “Seeing people desperately looking for lost loved ones reminded me of the Vietnam War era when American’s were looking for soldiers MIA (Missing In Action),” said Rob Tacy, President of Memorial Bracelets. “We were interested in creating a way for people to remember those lost on 9-11 and helping the families of the victims.” Tacy added. POW Bracelets were powerful symbols that reminded people of those being held captive or missing. Rob thought that Memorial Bracelets might do the same for those lost on 9/11 that POW/MIA Bracelets did for soldiers held captive or missing during the Vietnam War.
The concept of a bracelet to remember a victim of terrorism had not yet been invented, and he thought of many names before deciding on calling it a Memorial Bracelet. Having been laid off when the Internet bubble burst, Rob worked around-the-clock with a web-site developer friend, Steve, who was also unemployed. They launched the Memorial Bracelets website located at www.MemorialBracelets.com on October 23, 2001. John Roy, a New Yorker who lost his brother Sgt. Timothy Roy in the World Trade Center was one of the first to order a bracelet. "By wearing the bracelet, people will be showing hope that my brother's body or something from him will be found so we can have some closure," said Roy. The money initially raised from selling bracelets was donated to the Twin Towers Orphans Fund to support children who lost one or both parents. By February 22, 2002, $5,000 was donated to this charity.
Memorial Bracelets only offered bracelets for those that died on September 11th until the Bali bombing occurred on October 12, 2002. They added the names of victims of terrorism and subsequently added the names of American’s lost in terrorist attacks prior by request, and after September 11th as they occurred. Also by request, they added the names of Vietnam POWs, MIAs, KIAs and Returnees so people could keep those still unaccounted for in their hearts and prayers.
When casualties began to occur after the start of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), they were asked by family members of the fallen to add the names of the military members lost to the website so people could also remember the brave men and women who died fighting to keep America safe from terrorism. They began adding the names of the casualties for OEF and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) starting in March of 2002 and expanded the mission of the site to Remembering the Victims and Heroes of Terrorism.
To reflect their commitment to military families, they also expanded the charities they support to help the families of those lost or wounded while fighting. They donate $2.00 of every product purchased on the site, no matter if it’s a bracelet or a dog tag or if it’s engraved for medical ID reasons or custom engraved for a special cause. Because they have sold over 165,000 bracelets and dog tags over the past eight and a half years, they have been able to donate over $83,000 to charities that support the families that have lost a hero or victim to terrorism. “Our goal is to donate over $100,000 to charity by September 11th, 2011,” said Rob.
Rob started offering engraved jewelry in 2001 and continue today for the simple reason of giving the wearer something that enables them to remember their lost loved one, and to share their story with others who see the bracelet or dog tag. “We enjoy hearing from those that wear the bracelets and dog tags we engrave for them. Knowing that what we offer gives so many people a sense of peace and is cherished by them as a keepsake, makes us proud to be able to continue to offer this service”, said Rob. You can read hundreds of stories about why Americans all over this great land wear Memorial Bracelets to honor the memory of a fallen soldier or lost loved one, at their blog located at www.whywear.com.The idea of creating Memorial Bracelets came to Rob while he was watching the news immediately following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. “Seeing people desperately looking for lost loved ones reminded me of the Vietnam War era when American’s were looking for soldiers MIA (Missing In Action),” said Rob Tacy, President of Memorial Bracelets. “We were interested in creating a way for people to remember those lost on 9-11 and helping the families of the victims.” Tacy added. POW Bracelets were powerful symbols that reminded people of those being held captive or missing. Rob thought that Memorial Bracelets might do the same for those lost on 9/11 that POW/MIA Bracelets did for soldiers held captive or missing during the Vietnam War.
The concept of a bracelet to remember a victim of terrorism had not yet been invented, and he thought of many names before deciding on calling it a Memorial Bracelet. Having been laid off when the Internet bubble burst, Rob worked around-the-clock with a web-site developer friend, Steve, who was also unemployed. They launched the Memorial Bracelets website located at www.MemorialBracelets.com on October 23, 2001. John Roy, a New Yorker who lost his brother Sgt. Timothy Roy in the World Trade Center was one of the first to order a bracelet. "By wearing the bracelet, people will be showing hope that my brother's body or something from him will be found so we can have some closure," said Roy. The money initially raised from selling bracelets was donated to the Twin Towers Orphans Fund to support children who lost one or both parents. By February 22, 2002, $5,000 was donated to this charity.
Memorial Bracelets only offered bracelets for those that died on September 11th until the Bali bombing occurred on October 12, 2002. They added the names of victims of terrorism and subsequently added the names of American’s lost in terrorist attacks prior by request, and after September 11th as they occurred. Also by request, they added the names of Vietnam POWs, MIAs, KIAs and Returnees so people could keep those still unaccounted for in their hearts and prayers.
When casualties began to occur after the start of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), they were asked by family members of the fallen to add the names of the military members lost to the website so people could also remember the brave men and women who died fighting to keep America safe from terrorism. They began adding the names of the casualties for OEF and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) starting in March of 2002 and expanded the mission of the site to Remembering the Victims and Heroes of Terrorism.
To reflect their commitment to military families, they also expanded the charities they support to help the families of those lost or wounded while fighting. They donate $2.00 of every product purchased on the site, no matter if it’s a bracelet or a dog tag or if it’s engraved for medical ID reasons or custom engraved for a special cause. Because they have sold over 165,000 bracelets and dog tags over the past eight and a half years, they have been able to donate over $83,000 to charities that support the families that have lost a hero or victim to terrorism. “Our goal is to donate over $100,000 to charity by September 11th, 2011,” said Rob.
Rob started offering engraved jewelry in 2001 and continue today for the simple reason of giving the wearer something that enables them to remember their lost loved one, and to share their story with others who see the bracelet or dog tag. “We enjoy hearing from those that wear the bracelets and dog tags we engrave for them. Knowing that what we offer gives so many people a sense of peace and is cherished by them as a keepsake, makes us proud to be able to continue to offer this service”, said Rob. You can read hundreds of stories about why Americans all over this great land wear Memorial Bracelets to honor the memory of a fallen soldier or lost loved one, at their blog located at www.whywear.com.
Oct/03/2008 - Americans Share Their Memorial Bracelets Stories
After the debates on September 26, 2008, the nation knows now why presidential candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama wear their bracelets, but what about average Americans from all over the country who have their own stories of loved ones lost on 9/11, or fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan? The Why Wear blog, sponsored by Memorial Bracelets, is where they have been sharing their stories of lost heroes and victims of terrorism.
The blog of postings, dating back to 2004, by those wearing Memorial Bracelets (TM) chronicles the emotions of U.S. citizens impacted by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stories from grieving Americans wanting to keep a friend or family member in their hearts and minds by wearing a Memorial Bracelet include this from Thelma, a self-described very PROUD Navy Mom and still grieving Air Force Aunt.
"Raymond was our nephew. He was like a son to my husband and myself. I stood across from him as his first child was born and watched a boy become a man/father. Losing him was like losing our own son who is in the US Navy and was in Iraq aboard the USS Constellation when his cousin was killed. On Oct. 18, we will be in San Diego watching our son sail away again to parts unknown to do his duty once again as a Sailor in the US Navy. We just hope and pray he and all the others come home safely."
To read hundreds of other stories of why Americans all over this great land are wearing Memorial Bracelets to honor the memory of a military casualty or lost loved one so that they are never forgotten, visit the Why Wear blog.
Aug/04/2002 - Americans Wear Memorial Bracelets To Always Remember September 11th
As the one-year anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in American history approaches, Americans remember what they were doing on that day, and how the tragedy affected their lives. As a way to always remember the loved ones and heroes who were lost, people from all over the country are keeping the memory of the victims alive by wearing VOT (Victims of Terrorism) Memorial Bracelets™. Below are excerpts from comments received at www.memorialbracelets.com stating the reasons why people are wearing a VOT Memorial Bracelet™:
"I did not lose anyone I knew in the attack, but my life changed because of it. I wear a bracelet to remind myself how short life can be, and it only takes a second for a life to change."
"I wear a VOT Memorial Bracelet because someone I've known since childhood died that day. P.O. Brian McDonnell ESU truck 1 NYPD. Now I can keep my friend alive in my heart by seeing his name every day."
"I, along with my 18-year son, will never forget witnessing the tragedy as we watched it unfold before us on our T.V., and I will never forget the brave people who gave up their lives to save others. This bracelet will, I hope, give me some peace and heal my soul."
"I wear a memorial bracelet because we as Americans must never forget what was done to our country and the thousands of innocent human beings who were sacrificed in this wanton act."
"Mike Cammarata was a friend of our daughters. 9/11 was a tragedy for all, but it was also my daughter Michele's 1st experience of losing a loved one. She was having a very hard time, as most of us are, and we gave it to her so she can wear it as a tribute to her friend and hero."
"My 10-year-old has wanted to do something since 9-11 and we both thought this was a great way. We ordered 3 and he will be giving the other one to his Dad as a Father's Day present to show that he is thankful for him and that he has him while some children don't have theirs anymore."
"I lost my cousin, Lt. Cmdr. David L. Williams, in the attack on the Pentagon. I will wear this VOT Memorial Bracelet proudly in his memory, so that he is never forgotten."
Additional comments and memorials from those that have purchased VOT Memorial Bracelets can be viewed on the Internet at http://www.whywear.com/.
Feb/22/2002 - Memorial Bracelets Donates $5,000 To The Twin Towers Orphan Fund
Because of caring Americans who have purchased VOT (Victims of Terrorism) Memorial Bracelets (TM) at www.memorialbracelets.com, the Terrorism Preparedness Fund has been able to donate over $5,000 (all the profits generated from the site) to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund.
W. Knox Richardson, co-founder, and chairman of the benefits advisory committee of the TTOF said, "We appreciate the very generous support people have given to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund through their purchase of Memorial Bracelets. Monies donated by the Memorial Bracelets will go a long way to providing educational assistance, and mental and physical health care to the children who lost parents in the September 11th tragedies."
People from all over the country have been touched by the acts of terrorism in various ways. Below are excerpts from comments received stating the reasons why people are wearing Memorial Bracelets:
"As a firefighter, the reason I ordered a memorial bracelet is so the person who's name I wear will always ride with me on my calls." - Mokena, IL
"The reason I purchased a Memorial Bracelet was because I lost 2 family members on September 11, 2001. Their laughs will never be heard again. Their smiles are gone except for what is in our minds, and their warmth will no longer be felt. It is in the bracelet that their memory will be carried." - Youngstown, OH
"I am on active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I wear a memorial bracelet as a reminder of what we are fighting for and to remember the victims of that tragic day in September." - 141 Security Forces Squadron
"I now wear my Memorial Bracelet beside the Vietnam POW bracelet I've had since 1972. Quite frankly, I'm able to safely sit at my computer and e-mail you because of the gentlemen whose names I have on my bracelets. Wearing these bracelets is the least I can do." - Richmond, VA
"I chose the Memorial Bracelet engraved, "United We Stand" to remind me that as an American, I can overcome any challenge I face and that I have friends and family that will help me." - Cedar Rapids, IA
"I got a chance to continue on Earth, to watch my child grow up, love my husband and to hug my friends. I need to remember those who didn't and take advantage of more moments in my life." - Mandeville, LA
Nov/14/2001 - Memorial Bracelets Are Reminder Of Lost Victims Of September 11 Tragedy
As Americans start regaining their sense of comfort; they are also turning to things that offer a lasting sense of remembrance. A new web site, www.memorialbracelets.com, offers Victims of Terrorism (VOT) bracelets for people who wish to show support for the friends and families of those lost on September 11, 2001. VOT bracelets are available without names for people who want to show support for America's opposition to terrorism.
All profits are currently being donated to the Twin Tower Orphan Fund. "We think these bracelets are a great way to raise money for the children of the victims," said W. Knox Richardson, co-founder of the Twin Tower Orphan Fund.
MemorialBracelets.com borrows from the concept of Vietnam War-era POWs and MIAs. Americans hoped that wearing bracelets bearing their names would return missing or imprisoned Vietnam soldiers. The VOT bracelets offer American's hope that the lives of the victims will not be forgotten, and that America will always be prepared to prevent another terrorist attack.
John Roy, a New Yorker who lost his brother in the World Trade Center, requested his brother's name, Sgt. Timothy Roy, be added to the list of victims. "By wearing the bracelet, people will be showing hope that my brother's body or something from him will be found so we can have some closure," said Roy.