Born and raised in New York City, Hank Fellows is an author, songwriter, photographer, and performer. On September 11, 2001, Hank was an eyewitness to the immediate aftermath of the destruction of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. The two songs that Hank wrote shortly after 9/11, "The Spirit of America" and "Halfway to Heaven," have been performed hundreds of times across America by children, adults, and civic organizations for Veterans Day, Patriot Day (9/11), and other patriotic holidays. Hank's patriotic and inspirational songs have also been performed at New York City and New Jersey 9/11 Ceremonies, starting on September 11, 2003 at the Bronx, New York ceremony honoring the 144 Bronx residents who were killed at the World Trade Center.
"Write These Names Upon The Wind: 9/11 Family Ceremonies Before the Ground Zero Memorial" is Hank's
personal account of his participation in 23 of these New York City and New Jersey 9/11 Ceremonies from September 11, 2003 through September 2011, the tenth anniversary of 9/11/01, where his patriotic and inspirational songs have been performed each year.
"Write These Names Upon The Wind" is 176 pages long, with 124 high-resolution color photographs, with Hank's personal captions under each photograph. This book also contains 14 essays by Hank Fellows describing the facts, the personalities, and Hank's personal insights into these landmark 9/11 Ceremonies.
"Write These Names Upon The Wind" also contains the sheet music and lyric sheets for Hank's four songs that were performed over the years by professional vocalists at these 9/11 Ceremonies. Audio recordings of these songs are easily accessed on Hank's website www.AmericasSongwriter.com, and video performances of Hank's songs at many 9/11 Ceremonies are available on Hank's YouTube channel, Hank Fellows USA.
Hank's previous book is a children's book entitled "Sirius, The Hero Dog of 9/11." This 32 page book, with 25 child-friendly photographs, is an ideal introduction to the facts and themes surrounding the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. This book tells the true story of "Sirius," the police patrol dog who died in the Twin Towers on 9/11/01. The story is told by "Sirius" in his own words, and also recounts his friendship with his police officer partner, David, who survived the 9-11-01 terrorist attacks.
Hank Fellows has been recognized for his musical participation in New York and New Jersey 9/11 Ceremonies with the following awards: A Citation from the New York City Council for his "continued generosity and devotion to the remembrance of September 11th" (9/10/2006); an Award from the 9/11 Memorial Committee of Jersey City, NJ (3/8/2007); a Community Service Award from the Rotary Club of Jersey City, NJ (3/6/2008); a Citation of Merit from the Bronx, NY Borough President (9/14/2017); and a second Citation from the 9/11 Memorial Committee of Jersey City, NJ (9/11/2019).
Hank's continued commitment to the 9/11 Families and to the Remembrance of our 9/11 Heroes did not end with the 9/11 Ceremonies chronicled in his book "Write These Names Upon The Wind." As of this date (February 2024), Hank's patriotic and inspirational songs have been performed at a total of 58 New York City and Jersey City 9/11 Ceremonies (from 2003 through 2023). Hank Fellows will continue to share his songs with the 9/11 Families at these 9/11 Ceremonies for as long as he is asked.