Many thanks to Dan Kennedy for posting the New York Times “Portraits of Grief” series on his (really) hardworking Media Nation blog.

It reminded me that I should revisit the NYT portrait of my cousin Tommy Ashton, tragically murdered in the World Trade Center terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

[September 10] was also Thomas’s first day at electrician’s school, part of his apprenticeship with Local 3 in Manhattan. The second day on the job, Thomas, 21, was sent to the 95th floor of the north tower.

Tommy’s sisters Mary and Colleen have done a wonderful job of keeping his memory alive, most notably through the Thomas Ashton Foundation. (Its annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is a monster Queens, NY event.)

Once again, Dan, thanks.