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Thursday, September 9, 2010

September 11 - A Day of Remembrance


Every day in New York City we are reminded of the terrible events of 9-11. The gap in the skyline where the towers once loomed was most evident, but now there is the bustle of construction activity going on at "ground zero" where the World Trade Center complex once stood.


The construction of One World Trade Center, also known by the name Freedom Tower, has really begun to show progress as it rises into the sky, but there are many sightings everywhere in New York which make us all pause and remember.  I'd like to show a few formal memorials, community memorials, places and objects that have acquired memorial symbolism and homemade memorials made by individual New Yorkers in honor of the people that died on 9-11.


Three hundred and forty three firemen lost their live on 9-11 and many firehouses have a plaque on their wall that memorializes the firemen from that firehouse that lost their lives that day. This plaque was located outside Firehouse Engine 4 & Ladder 15, located in the Financial District, New York City at 42 South Street, in Manhattan.


The plaque is located on the wall to the left when facing the firehouse.



The 10 Truck Ladder recently on it's way to a call.  The Engine 10 Ladder 10 Company is located at 124 Liberty Street in Manhattan -- just south from where World Trade Center Tower 2 stood. It lost six firemen that day.



The outside firehouse wall  became the repository for a beautiful memorial 56 foot long brass plaque dedicated to the 343 New York City firemen that were killed in the line of duty on 9-11.



To read more information about this memorial and to see more photos of it, please read my prior blog post about it by clicking here.


Some of the companies that surrounded the World Trade Center complex lost employees in the attack and have memorials to them.  The American Express Memorial to the 11 employees the firm lost on September 11 is in the lobby of the American Express headquarters at the World Financial Center across the street from the World Trade Center site. A 600-pound, tear-shaped Brazilian quartz, carved with 11 sides (one side for each employee lost), is suspended at the center of the memorial. The quartz hangs from 11 thin cables over the center of an eleven sided black granite pool. The names of the victims are inscribed on the sides of the pool.


A close up of one of the victims name in memoriam.


This is "Angel's Circle" located in the NYC borough of Staten Island.  You can see more photos of this memorial and read the story about it on my prior blog post by clicking here.


A close up of the inscription at the bottom of the angel statue.


Staten Island was one of the hardest hit communities on 9/11, losing nearly 270 loved ones in the terrorist attacks.


I saw this touching home made memorial next to a private house in the New York City borough of Brooklyn.


Seeing the faces of the victims really increases the impact. 


A chunk of the marble facade of World Trade Center building 7, the last building to collapse from the destruction on the World Trade Center, and a lost fireman's photo attached to it, was also in the display case. The company my husband worked for at the time was located in WTC 7. Thankfully no one from his office was lost that day.


This is a memorial traffic triangle bound by Fillmore Avenue, Avenue T and East 57th Street in Brooklyn, NY.  It is one of the thousands of properties throughout the city called "Greenstreets," which belong to the Department of Transportation and are beautified by the Department of Parks. This triangle stands in testament to the life of Firefighter Gregory Saucedo. 


The plaque on the triangle explains that firefighter (1969 - 2001) lived his entire life in this neighborhood of Brooklyn, and played near this triangle as a child, often waving to the fire trucks that drove by on a call.  To read more about him go to this link.


This is another homemade memorial I spotted outside a house also in Brooklyn last 9-11. It contained 343 American flags in memory of the deceased firefighters. 

Many of the firefighters lived in the boroughs outside of Manhattan and after 9-11 there were many sad funeral processions that lined the streets while bagpipes played a mournful melody. Seeing and hearing that is a memory that I will never forget.


The Brooklyn Botanic Garden contains two long rows of Liberty Scarlet Oaks, planted in memory of 9-11.


The informational plaque about the trees.


The World Trade Center Cross, also known as The Ground Zero Cross, is composed of cross shaped steel beams, and was found amidst the debris of the World Trade Center, following the September 11, 2001 attacks. It stood at "Ground Zero" for a few years but is now off site due to construction.


A informational plaque about the cross. You can read some more about it on this post.



St. Paul’s Chapel is located on Church St. between Fulton St. and Vesey St., opposite the east side of the World Trade Center site.  This Episcopal church, was home to an extraordinary eight-month volunteer relief effort after September 11, 2001



It became known by the nickname "The Little Chapel That Stood."  You can read more about the chapel and see the photos I took of memorials inside the chapel on my blog post at this link.


I saw this sign awhile ago attached to a fence of a house in Greenwich Village neighborhood in Manhattan. It says: "If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we just might set the world in the right direction."  ~Martin Kornfeld 

I like to think of this as a response to 9-11.  Isn't it better to fill our hearts with love and positive purpose because of 9-11, than with hatred and revenge?  Wouldn't we all like to work towards making the world a better place?


That is why I am in full support of the September 11 National Day Of Service and Remembrance. This group actively encourage all Americans, and others, to voluntarily support charitable causes, perform good deeds and engage in other service activities in observance of the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. If you can't actively do a good deed or charitable work this year you can donate to a cause that you support by doing a search on this link.

We can all make a difference!  We can all do good in memory of those that perished on 9-11 and honor them in this way.



I'm linking with Beverly at the blog How Sweet The Sound for her 9-11 Memorial supplement to her usual Pink Saturday event.  Please join her on Saturday to see her post and links to all the participating blogs. Thank you Beverly!



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65 comments:

  1. Pat,
    You did a remarkable job on this post.
    I won't ever forget that day and the horror we felt so far away for NYC!

    I can't imagine what it must have been like to have lived there.

    I'm so glad I got to meet you and visit NYC...hope to bring my husband back one day!

    I think the National Day of Service is an excellent way to memorialize those that lost their lives.

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  2. Pat - Thank you for posting about all the people who lost their lives on that horrible day and the tributes that have been set up to remember them. The towers are etched in my mind from 1969 when I visited what were just-excavated holes in the ground with my then husband-to-be. Many years later, I was a reporter covering the Port Authority and going to board meetings in one of the towers all the time. After Sept. 11, I was assigned to cover the tragedy and was down at Ground Zero almost daily, amid the still-smoking rubble. In particular, I will never forget the courage of those who died - firefighters, rescue workers - trying to save those poor souls trapped inside. But I saw a lot of courage also from people who rallied to help in the days immediately following the disaster too. May we never have such a terrible day again. God bless you for your heart-felt post.

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  3. When the press fuels the worst in us, writing like this calls to the best in us. I wish everyone on the continent could read this.

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  4. This is absolutely stunning! I have chills through my body right now. I so very much agree with what Pondside just said...I wish everyone could read this. Bless you for this beautiful post and remembrance.

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  5. This is absolutely stunning! I have chills through my body right now. I so very much agree with what Pondside just said...I wish everyone could read this. Bless you for this beautiful post and remembrance.

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  6. A beautiful tribute to the people who lost their lives on that horrible day, Pat. The National Day of Service is truly a great way to remember those people and their families, however, we must never, never, never forget that they lost their lives because of a terrorist attack and we must continue our efforts to safeguard our nation. Again, this post was so touching. Thank you, Pat.

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  7. A beautiful tribute to the people who lost their lives on that horrible day, Pat. The National Day of Service is truly a great way to remember those people and their families, however, we must never, never, never forget that they lost their lives because of a terrorist attack and we must continue our efforts to safeguard our nation. Again, this post was so touching. Thank you, Pat.

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  8. Well written Pat. A day that often defies words. Oh how I remember that day...we sat here in the Midwest so far away yet numb as we sat by our TV's. 5 years ago I was in NYC with our youngest daughters choir. A lot of the scenes you shared were part of our travels. So few words...we feel different things...it didn't happen in our cities yet we mourned with all those who lost loved ones like they were our own families. It is still so hard to comprehend. We still remember.

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  9. It was so hard to read this post and see the names of people we knew and loved. One of our friends lost 2 children that day.I see one of them in your post.
    Long Island was very hard hit.
    I dread this day every year...the wounds are so deep.
    Thanks for a beautiful post.
    May they rest in peace, and we must never rest in our vigilance against terrorism.
    The words I heard today do not give me comfort. I think NYers have a different take on this than some others.

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  10. Pat I'm watching ABC news right now and they're showing the new construction going on there, interviewing people who lost their sons, it's all so sad. Your post was so touching with the story behind the faces. What a beautiful tribute, thank you!

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  11. Thank you for this touching post, Pat. Along with the rest of the world, the events of 9/11 still brings tears to my eyes. But those of us no in the midst of daily reminders can't even imagine what those who live there think and feel and see. This helps us understand a little more. Thank you for your thorough tribute.

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  12. Wow! It doesn't even seem like that much time has passed. Seems like only yesterday. It's really sad here in CA because before everywhere you looked there were 9/11 Memorials taking place every year. But, as time goes by, we find less and less. I don't get that.

    I did find a 5K taking place on 9/11 and so I am having my girl scout troop that I'm the leader of go and volunteer that day. I want them to do their part (as well as me) for National Day of Service.

    I have my DVR set to record 17 hours of 9/11 shows. I'm sure I've seen some of them before but I want to watch them again. I don't want to ever forget that day.

    It's so sad. Yet, like you said, there has been a lot of strength that came from that day. I'll never forget how America pulled together right afterwards and everyone seemed a little kinder and more willing help out others. Flags were flown everywhere, even on cars.

    I'm a bit torn on how I feel about them building on the spot of the World Trade Center. At first I thought it should be done asap to show the Terrorist they can't take anything away from us. But now, I'm not sure. I mean so many lost their life there. Perhaps a big park would have a been better.

    I don't know. So many emotions for everyone to deal with.

    God bless New York and all her people!

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  13. My friend lost her only child in this disaster...... She has never recovered. Bless all who were lost!
    Beautiful tribute Pat!
    Have a Wonderful Day!
    Love,
    Marilyn

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  14. That cross always get my... and all of the memorials large and small to commemorate and ease the pain of that terrible day... It still just breaks the heart, doesn't it? That avenue of oaks is wonderful--I didn't know about that one. Many thanks for this very special post, Pat. The words on that hand painted poster I take with me... Happy Weekend ((BIG HUGS))

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  15. What beautiful tributes. Thank you so much for this heart felt post. The one at the end is so sweet. In the end only kindness matters.
    Hugs,
    Olivia

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  16. Dear Pat,
    What a very heartfelt and tender and special posting. Thank you for the time and love you put into your photographs and your words. It really does mean so much to those of us who follow your blog. Not only is your posting most touching, but so also are the comments you are receiving. The poster with the people's faces is one of the things that really struck me. It does indeed make that day even more heartwrenching when you see the faces of those who perished, and not just the names or the numbers. Like the others who have commented, I cannot imagine what 9/11 was like for those who live in NYC. And what each anniversary is like. To have been right there, hearing and seeing all the funeral processions. That brings tears to my heart. Sweet Peace to you ...

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  17. The impact of that day still resonates and I too hope that the ideals of positive action,love and understanding and forgiveness will be the everlastiing result of this awful, awful attack.

    My thoughts and prayers are as always with the families and friends who have lost loved ones here.

    Take care
    x

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  18. Pat, this was a beautiful, moving tribute. I can't imagine what the people of New York went through during that awful time. And the picture that remains in my mind is that of the firefighters, police officers and EMT's going into Manhattan as everyone else was leaving in droves. You really are the perfect person to deliver this tribute. You, my dear, are the quintessential New Yorker. Born and bred, proud and knowledgeable. Not the "Sex and the City" single gal on a big city fling, but a person who lives for the history, excitement and charm. I adore reading your posts! Hugs, Kat

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  19. Your tribute is very moving. I always enjoy your great pictures of the city and this one is no different. I find the homemade memorials very touching, I am so glad you shared them with us.
    Such vivid memories of standing in our breakroom at work watching tv....until my knees buckled and I had to go to my office and sit down...this can't be happening.
    Thanks Pat for a special post.

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  20. Hi, I'm back from holidays and catching up with blogging. As usual you always have a thought provking blog. I feel so sorry for the families who lost a loved one. So many firefighters!

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  21. Beautiful photos and a beautiful tribute to Americans who payed the ultimate price for this country.

    My heart bleeds at the memory.
    ~a friday's favorite for sure... come join the linky party.

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  22. Fantastic post. All the photos, all the memories. This time of year (and pretty much all the time) when the memories flood back in is so difficult. This year it is hitting me harder, don't know why...but it is.

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  23. Hi Pat,
    first I have to say that I love your city if it would be my hometown. I don't know why. My husband gave me a big present, in 2009 my dream come true and I was able to see this gorgeous city.

    A great thanks for sharing the wonderful photos with us. With every time I read your posts I can take a little piece in my home and I can learn a little bit more of NY. (perhaps for my third visit???, no it' sure)
    I'm sorry, my english isn't very good but I hope you can understand the meaning.
    Many hugs, Sabine from germany

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  24. This is outstanding! I'm printing it out and taking it to NYC the next time I go. I want to see these in person.

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  25. Pat, this is a beautiful tribute and heartful post. Thank you for sharing all of this with us as we approach the anniversary of 9/11. I agree with your thoughts about sharing acts of kindness to memorialize all who losts their lives that day. ~ sarah

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  26. Pat, thank you for showing this. Brought me to tears.

    Hugs,
    Donna

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  27. What a fabulous post! I'm following you now! I think the 9/11 memorial day for doing good deeds is an excellent idea!

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  28. Thank you for sharing the memorials...I am certain that no anniversary of this event will ever come and go without every New Yorker taking special notice. Blessings to New Yorkers!

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  29. What a wonderful post! I'll never forget the image of the towers falling as I watch on television and feeling horror for those trapped inside. I'll also never forget families posting photos of their loved ones everywhere hoping that they would be found.

    Thank you for showing all of the memorials that you have seen.

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  30. Such a touching post Pat. We were talking about 9-11 today in class and the current talks about Ground Zero.

    A day of service- of doing good is such a great idea and a fitting memorial to the event that out of such evil good can come.

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  31. A wonderful, though sad and touching post.
    Although this happened far away from Italy, here we all felt for you. And we do commemorate and tribute this painful and sad day, in the best way we can.
    May we never forget.

    All my love,
    Annalisa

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  32. Excellent post, Pat.... Makes me cry... I still hurt for all of the families of those lost on 9/11/01. It is a very sad weekend for America...

    We'll NEVER forget.. Thanks for the great reminders.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  33. This is just such an amazingly beautiful post Pat! I especially enjoyed seeing the smaller, homemade memorials...these are things I will never otherwise get a chance to see...so thank you!

    It is hard to belive that so much time has past since 9/11...it seems like yesterday.

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  34. Pat,
    This post is just amazing. You always bring to your posts historical facts, beautiful photographs and offer such insight.

    I mentioned you today in my Pink Saturday mention. Pat, you never disappoint. This post is wonderful, because it gives all the current information to such a tragic event.

    Thank you for giving us such a wonderful tribute.

    Karen

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  35. Hi Pat...As Diane said you really did a remarkable job with this post
    it was nice to see pictures of what is being built now as the news channels never show us down south here what's happening with it..and all the other tributes...very very touching...Thank you.

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  36. Thank you for this post. I can't imagine living right in the midst of it and being reminded every day. I am speechless. Linda

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  37. Those that forget the past are doomed to repeat it. Thank you for posting this wonderful and heart
    warming post. You are always on top of things.It brought tears to my eyes.
    There is an award at my post for you if you want it.

    yvonne

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  38. Pat,
    This was a heart warming post,
    it brought tears to my eyes. Those that forget the past are doomed to repeat it.

    There is an award for you at my post . That is if you want it.

    yvonne

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  39. Pat,
    This was a heart warming post,
    it brought tears to my eyes. Those that forget the past are doomed to repeat it.

    There is an award for you at my post . That is if you want it.

    yvonne

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  40. Thank you Pat. This was beautiful.

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  41. Thank you so much for posting a wonderful rememberance. My husband is a firefighter. I want to share this with him. That post had to be time consuming. It is a great tribute.

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  42. I hope you don't mind, but I posted about your tribute on my blog. I wanted people to see this.

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  43. Hi Pat! I’m back!! One week off, one week to deal with the mess created by the absence, a birthday almost no one noticed and a weekend to rest a little bit...

    Lovely post! Interesting collection of memorials!!


    Meanwhile Blogtrotter Two is enjoying a fabulous hotel: the Cala di Volpe in Costa Smeralda!! Enjoy, comment and have a great weekend!

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  44. Absolutley beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing with us. God bless!

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  45. Hello dear Pat, this must be a very hard day to remember for everyone and especially New Yorkers. It makes me so sad to remember the many lives that were lost that day. I knew one fine young man who died that day. His name was Stephan. He was engaged to my niece's girlfriend Este' She still lives in NY and is still single. He was the love of her life. He was well on his way out of the building when he and his coworkers were told it was alright to go back to work. He was back at his desk when the building fell. He was talking to Este' on his cell phone when everything went down. All she could hear was screaming and then silence. It haunts her as I am sure so many who lost their loved ones are haunted that sad day. Your post is wonderful. I was at ground zero when my sisters and I visited NY. We found Stephan's name on the wall. We met Este' for dinner and she told us all about what happened to Stephan. This is just one story and there are hundreds more. I will never forget.

    Thank you for sharing all the wonderful ways people remember that sad day. It is a way to heal isn't it?
    Blessings and love,
    Jeanne

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  46. Pat, thank you for the most awesome post about this nightmare!!! It certainly takes someone who is from NY to tell the story!!!

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  47. Dear Pat,
    What a splendid tribute and information about that haunting tragic day.
    I was out n LI but Robert watched new from the roof (we are on 23rd St).
    New Yorkers really showed what they are made of that day. I was so proud to be a New Yorker!

    You are right that kindness, remembrance and acts of love towards others is the best way to pay tribute to those who were lost and show that we can rise above ANYTHING.
    Thanks again for a super post!

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  48. Pat, I still have chill bumps as I write this ... what a beautiful, touching, and heartfelt post, made even more meaningful by your poignant pictures representing the outpouring of love shown by your neighbors in NYC. Their pain and their losses will, indeed, be remembered by their fellow Americans, with compassion and sincerest sympathy ... not only on this day, but always.

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  49. Every year I watch the documentaries in disbelief. It's still difficult to comprehend the events of 9/11. My heart goes out to all who lost loved ones, and for those who suffered. x

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  50. Hi Pat, I'm new to your blog from Tracy's recommendation. I was moved by this touching post and have read 40 or so of your Manhattan posts. I'd love to visit NYC someday and am glad to have found a blog dedicated to it! Thanks!

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  51. Pat,Thank you so much for sharing all this with us. Of course we see the big memorials but the home made ones are so special and it makes us realize how we are all one big family! I sit here reading with tears in my eyes, remembering the horror of this day. Thank you and me we never, ever forget!

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  52. Thank you Pat. This was simply beautiful.

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  53. I have goosebumps. I would not have seen any of this if you hadn't taken the time to share. Thank you.

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  54. You are so right about the Falling Woman sculpture. I was sad for the artist that his work was rejected but seeing it recently reminded me of our vulnerability.

    Our firm has always had a day of service on the Martin Luther King holiday. A Day On, Not a Day Off and we have done a variety of amazing service projects on that day.

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  55. What a wonderful post, Pat. You have reminded us of the happenings of that fateful day...and the many who lost their life! Yes, we all can make a difference...and thanks for encouraging us all to do just that.

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  56. Your tribute made me cry, Pat. It was so much more intimate somehow...coming from our NYC tour guide. And your photos were wonderful! Thank you so much for doing this!

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  57. A dignified tribute on what is such a difficult day for so many who lost loved ones. The world remembers with you.

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  58. Pat - Beautiful, informative post. And I love the idea of a National Day of Service. Thanks for all the links - I was especially moved by the Circle of Angels. xoxo Nancy

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  59. I'm reading this after the fact, but I'm touched and moved as if it was still that day 9 years ago. Thanks Pat.

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  60. Hi Pat,

    Do you happen to remember where the small handmade house in memorial of 9/11 in brooklyn was and if it is still there?

    Thanks!

    Emma

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  61. Hi Emma

    There person who made the small house like memorial now only has it displayed during the 9/11 week anniversary. It is located on the side of a house Ralph Ave, between Ave T and Ave N.

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