The Photograph

In God We Trust

The image titled “In God We Trust” was originally made on October 19, 2000. Michael Joseph was in NYC making photographs of familiar buildings and landmarks for an upcoming exhibition. The breathtaking image of the WTC was not selected for the show; it was only to be rediscovered in his film archive following the events of September 11th.

On October 19, 2001, one month after, and exactly a year later, Michael returned to NYC with humble intentions; to witness for himself the aftermath, and to make the similar after photograph titled “United We Stand”.

United We Stand

The location from which the photograph was made is in front of St. Peters Catholic Church on 16 Barcly Street, at the corner of Church Street. This is one block from Ground Zero, and close to where the Chambers Street subway entrance is located. This is also the same church where NYC FD Chaplain Mychal Judge was carried after being killed while giving Last Rites to a fallen heroic firefighter. The news reported that Mychal was Victim One on that fateful morning. 343 firefighters would perish with him on that fateful day.

The image was published by a local friend and art collector not as money making venture, but rather to be given as a “Gift of Peace”.   Over 5000 posters were made and hundreds were immediately distributed to Fire & Police Departments and Rescue Personnel in NYC. A special Limited Edition were printed and given to President Bush, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and other dignitaries.

St. Peters Church

In Washington DC a petition with over 12,000 signatures was delivered to have the image considered for a commemorative United States Stamp. This is currently on file with the United States Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee for future consideration.

While on tour with the banner Michael and Paige continued to share the posters with everyone they came into contact with, and making sure each place they visited received one, or more to share with others.