UIC Student Veterans Affairs Presents

never forget:

9/11 25th Anniversary

Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, this exhibition presents twenty-five people drawn from a single university. They are students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University of Illinois Chicago, who identify as civilians, first responders and service members. Seventeen of the twenty-five are veterans. Some enlisted because of that morning. Many were young when it happened.The portraits are a photographic series entitled Unforgettable: A Legacy in Photos. Each portrait and every story stands on its own terms.

The 72 minute feature film, Voices of Remembrance (2026),  plays throughout the run of the exhibition. The narrative of the people on these walls become the soundtrack of the gallery, and the lasting impact echoing through each telling becomes audible. The portraits are housed under glass. Those who step close enough to look carefully will find their own reflection among them, and an unfamiliar face will become a story they recognize. 

The University of Illinois Chicago designed this project in partnership with the National Veterans Art Museum. This is the first iteration of a traveling exhibition.

Video edited by Abel Nazario, Directed by Nathan Nager

Photography by Lisa Atwood

In collaboration with UIC’s Creative Digital Services

  • Opening Reception | Never Forget: 9/11 25th Anniversary

    Friday, September 11, 2026

    5:30 pm - Voices of Remembrance Screening

    Filament Theatre
    4041 N. Milwaukee Ave, 1st Floor
    Chicago, IL 60641

    6:00 pm - Opening Reception

    National Veterans Art Museum
    4041 N. Milwaukee Ave, 2nd Floor
    Chicago, IL 60641

    Never Forget: 9/11 25th Anniversary is a multi-layered tribute marking 25 years since September 11, 2001, weaving together video narratives and portrait photography from across the UIC community to create a space for collective memory and reflection.

    RSVP Encouraged

  • Panel Discussion | NVAM Conversations

    Saturday, October 10, 2026

    2:00 pm

    National Veterans Art Museum
    4041 N. Milwaukee Ave, 2nd Floor
    Chicago, IL 60641

    Jamel Carr, UIC Alumni and Lieutenant Colonel, US Army

    Young Kim, Associate Professor, UIC Department of Classics and Mediterranean Studies

    Monika Martinez, Detective, UIC Police

    Brett SanPietro, UIC Alumni and Co-Founder, Lancea

    This is a Free Event

  • FUNDRAISER | NVAM After Dark - Yoga & Sound Healing with Dr. Mia Garcia-Hills

    Thursday, December 10, 2026

    6:00 pm CST

    National Veterans Art Museum
    4041 N. Milwaukee Ave, 2nd Floor
    Chicago, IL 60641

    Grab your mat and join us for yoga in the museum galleries! Take a deep breath and focus your creativity for what’s ahead. Join us for a two hour

    Chakra Yoga for Creativity & Sound Healing session led by Dr. Mia Garcia-Hills

    All event ticket proceeds are donated to the National Veterans Art Museum.

    Mats available to borrow.

    Tickets to Come

  • Exhibition Closing | Never Forget Your Story

    Saturday, January 23, 2027

    2:00 pm CST

    National Veterans Art Museum
    4041 N. Milwaukee Ave, 2nd Floor
    Chicago, IL 60641

    Join us for the closing of Never Forget: 9/11 25th Anniversary. This is the last chance to view the exhibition at the National Veterans Art Museum and opportunity to read the collection of personal stories from visitors contributed to the community engagement wall, Never Forget Your Story, during the exhibition run.

    this is a free event