Our Story: Uncle Ed & the Standing Tall 9/11 Memorial

Ed Hogle, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran originally from Canada and co-founder of Steel Iron Art in Buffalo, New York, created the Standing Tall 9/11 Memorial in 2011 to honor those lost on September 11, 2001.

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Standing eight feet tall and mounted on a map of the United States, the stainless steel memorial bears the full names of the victims and features five military medallions honoring service and sacrifice.

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Since its creation, the memorial has traveled to Ground Zero in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, often accompanied by the Patriot Guard Riders and members of law enforcement. Ed has personally towed the sculpture across the country in his pickup truck, determined to preserve the memory of 9/11 and help future generations understand its significance.

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Turning Remembrance Into Art

Through Uncle Ed’s 911 Puzzle Collection Series, Ed and his team are bringing that message to life through a national art adventure that welcomes children and senior citizens.

Participants are invited to create their own artistic interpretations of the Standing Tall 9/11 Memorial. The winning artist receives a $250 prize, and their artwork becomes a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle—sharing their creativity while carrying forward a message of remembrance.

The goal is to produce a new puzzle approximately every six weeks.

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Every Puzzle Has a Purpose

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Each puzzle collection supports the community in three ways:

• 15% of the puzzles will be donated to children’s hospitals and local clinics, providing free, meaningful activities for children and families.

• 25% of the puzzles will be given to event sponsors to use for fundraising.

• The remaining 60% will be sold, with the proceeds supporting spouses and family members of loved ones living with dementia through Uncle Ed’s D-Meetings.

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Supporting Families Through Uncle Ed’s D-Meetings

Uncle Ed’s D-Meetings will offer welcoming weekly support groups where people living with dementia, their spouses, family members, and caregivers can share experiences, ask questions, learn from one another, and find encouragement.

The plan is to involve retired, experienced medical professionals who can help facilitate discussions and offer education and insight into the challenges families face.

Ed’s vision is simple: to remind families that they do not have to face this journey alone.

Through the memorial, art competitions, puzzles, and support meetings, Uncle Ed’s 9/11 Children’s Puzzles, Inc. connects remembrance with compassion—honoring the past while helping people today.

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Remembering the past. Inspiring the future. Supporting families.

One drawing, one puzzle, and one community at a time.