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Families create 'living memorial to 9/11'

By Justin Rocket Silverman | amNewYork Staff Writer

September 12, 2006

Colleen Kelly at a conference at Columbia University called ÂFrom Afghanistan to Zimbabwe: Creative Responses to ViolenceÂ. (Photo by Handout / September 11, 2006)

William Kelly was 30 years old when he attended a business breakfast at Windows of the World on 9/11.

Since his death, Kelly's sister Colleen has joined with the families of other victims to found Peaceful Tomorrows, what she calls a "living memorial to 9/11."

Members of the group organized a conference Monday at Columbia University called "From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe: Creative Responses to Violence," which explored the way nations react to terrorism and war.

"I can't change what happened to my brother," said Kelly Monday, "but I can help change the future. There is no right way to mourn loss, but I want people to think about intent and make sure their grief is not being exploited for someone's political gain."