Artie Van Why

Artie at "Never Forget 9-11...The Spirit of America"

Artie wrote a book entitled "That Day In September." He spoke about his experience during 9-11 as he was living in New York at the time. We hosted a special 9-11 event in Lancaster, PA and Artie spoke so beautifully about his experience and how his life was changed. He has worked very hard to embrace his life after 9-11 and we were honored to have him speak at Clipper Stadium on the 10th anniversary. I would support Artie in any way to promote what he hopes to share with others. His compassion and heartfelt honesty enables him to teach others. We are grateful that through Artie's teachings, we can learn how devastation can take a toll on us, accept what we can't control, and prioritize what's really important to us.

Michele DeRosa, Supervisor
Fred F. Groff, Inc.
A Life Celebration Funeral Home

Living Hope out of an otherwise Hopeless Event

Artie presented his story and experience bringing hope to life in what is an otherwise hopeless event. The event was his personal experience of what happened in New York on Sept. 11, 2001. Artie presents a picture of the best of humanity in the face of the worst actions of humanity. He is passionate in his presentation. I am grateful to have both read his book, That Day In September, and to have heard him speak publicly about the events that he experienced on that day. As one of his pastors I heartily recommend that others hear his story.

honest and moving

I'm thankful to Artie for his willingness to share his experience. The emotional energy required to accurately record his observations in a way so easy for the rest of us to relate is certainly huge. The method of performance, one actor with extremely minimalist props, was very effective. Honestly it was a bit inconvenient for me to attend the performance of "That Day In September" (in Lancaster, PA on 10 September 2011) but I would have greatly missed out if I'd let it go by. In commemoration of the tenth anniversary and taking place the evening before, Artie's remembrance made the tragedy very personal so as I listened to coverage and the thoughts of others the next day, what I heard then had much more meaning and weight.
Artie has a powerful way with words, doesn't use too many of them, and communicates with startling honestly and vulnerability. I don't think a person could listen to his story and not have their heart moved.