Names
World Trade Center Australian Flag collection
IDs
nma-collection-157
Descriptions
The collection consists of an Australian flag measuring approximately 1200mm by 1780mm. It is intact but crumpled with minor tears and soiled with debris. The flag was flown at Australian ceremonial occasions at the World Trade Center in New York prior to September 2001.
The flag survived the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York on 11 September 2001. It was one of thousands of objects excavated from the ruins of the World Trade Center site in the months following the tragedy. While the flag may have been in one of the twin towers, it is more likely that it comes from the hotel in the World Trade Center 3 building that once stood on the plaza between the towers. This building was largely destroyed by falling debris from the two towers. The New York Police Department presented the flag to Australia's Consul-General in New York, who collected it on behalf of the Australian people.
The attacks on the World Trade Center arguably transformed twenty-first century history. The flag is a direct link to this significant event and the Australians who died there.
Copyright National Museum of Australia
Physical access to the collection by appointment only
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Dates
2012-05-30 23:43
2011-06-27 10:42