A group of young leaders from Forest Hills is keeping the memory of September 11 alive through community action. Project Pulmonary, a youth-led initiative based in Queens, organized a special commemorative event on Friday, September 11, titled "Breathe for 343," at the Queens Community House in Forest Hills.
The event was dedicated to honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The number 343 holds deep significance for the fire service community — it represents every firefighter from the FDNY who did not make it home that day. Each one had a family, a story, and a lung full of breath that was stolen that morning.
Project Pulmonary, whose name reflects a focus on respiratory health and breathing, chose this powerful symbolism to tie its community service efforts to the legacy of those fallen first responders. The youth behind the project have been working to raise awareness about lung health, air quality, and the importance of supporting first responder communities.
The event brought together residents, community members, and supporters to participate in service activities and pay tribute. While specific details about the programs offered at the event were limited, the gathering served as both a memorial and an opportunity to give back — core values that align with the mission of Project Pulmonary.
The choice of venue, the Queens Community House in Forest Hills, provided a central and welcoming space for the community to come together. The Forest Hills neighborhood has long been known for its strong sense of community and its respect for first responders, making it a fitting location for such an observance.
Youth-led memorial events like this one are becoming increasingly common across New York City, as younger generations find meaningful ways to connect with history and contribute to their communities. By centering the event around the number 343, Project Pulmonary ensured that the personal cost of 9/11 remained at the forefront of public consciousness—not just as a historical fact, but as a living tribute sustained through action and service.
