Saturday, September 10, 2011

The 10 Anniversary of 9-11-2001


Please forgive the quality this grainy photograph. I took it many years ago, in 1972, when I was still a young teenager with my little Instamatic film camera. I was on the Circle Line cruise ship that circles Manhattan island with my sister, my brother-in-law, and my younger brother. It was an overcast summer day and were were enjoying the cooler temperatures on the ship and taking photographs as if we were tourists. I was excited to get a photo of this view of the World Trade Center Twin Towers that were almost completed. You can see cranes on the upper floors that were still under construction.  I never thought I'd see these buildings destroyed 29 years later on September 11, 2001.



This is a photo of my two children, taken in 1989, as they were standing in the glass tunnel that connected World Trade Center 7 with the plaza of the Twin Towers.  My husband worked in 7 World Trade Center, and I often took my son and daughter to meet my husband for lunch during their summer vacations.  We would often visit the observation deck on Tower 2 afterwards and marvel at the view we had of New York City at such a great height!  Building 7 faced Tower One, and it was the last building to completely collapse on September 11, 2001. Thankfully everyone from building 7 escaped without harm that day, but I am sure that, like my husband, those workers lost many friends and colleagues that worked in Towers 1 and 2, and perhaps even family members.  My older brother was a retired FDNY Lieutenant, and he knew many of the 343 firemen that perished that day.  The event of 9-11 touched us all very personally.

Every year I feel an overwhelming sadness as 9-11 approaches, and for a few days afterward. I can't begin to imagine the sadness of those that lost a loved one that day. The attacks of 9-11 were not attacks on New York City or Washington DC -- they were attacks on the United States of America. We should all never forget that hatred was the core of these attacks, and that hatred in return does not bring back those who were lost and it does not help to change the world.
Am I dreaming to believe that extreme love is the answer to extreme hatred?  Can doing good, being kind, promoting peace and understanding in our own lives help change the world? After 9-11 there was such an outreach of sorrow and love to all we saw--for days and weeks America pulled together as one.  I am sad to see much of that sensitivity has disappeared in the ten years since. On this anniversary I want to examine my own life to see if I have kept the promises I made to myself as I watched those towers fall.  Didn't we all promise we would appreciate our lives more, be kinder to those around us, and not take anything for granted? One of the things I decided on that fateful day was that I wanted to enjoy my own city more and go to all the places I had left for "someday." Seeing those towers fall made me realize that we can never take anything or anyone for granted. This blog has been an end product of going out and exploring New York City more closely

The following photos were taken by a co-worker of my husband, from a hotel restaurant window located across the street from the ground zero construction site. She graciously gave me permission to use them in this post. They have a wonderful perspective of the ground zero and all the new construction that one does not see from the ground.


Ten years later the new World Trade Center Tower is almost two thirds completed. One World Trade Center will be the tallest building in the United States, standing at a symbolic height of 1,776 feet.  It is scheduled to open in 2013.


This is a zoomed in view of one of the two one acre waterfall memorial pools that stand in the footprints of the destroyed towers.  The name of the waterfall memorials is "Reflecting Absence."



A view of both of the north and south waterfall memorial pools. Forty percent of the people that lost their lives in this area did not have their bodies recovered, so this area will also be a symbolic burial ground and place of remembrance for their families. The two square waterfall pools are the largest man made waterfalls in our country.  The names of all 2983 victims of 9-11, including those that lost their lives in the attack on the Pentagon and those lost of the plane in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as the six victims of February 1993 attack on the World Trade Center, are incised in bronze around the pools. 
The white triangular building that you see between the two pools is the Memorial Museum. The Museum is growing a permanent collection of artifacts, stories, photos, video and other material, that shape our shared history of 9-11.  Among the collection will be the World Trade Center Cross which  composed of cross shaped steel beams, and was found amidst the debris of the World Trade Center, following the September 11, 2001 attacks, by a rescue/recovery worker. I have previously blogged about this cross on this post.



The Reflecting Absence memorial pools are being surrounded with trees, and this area will 0ne day be a quiet place to listen to the waterfalls and reflect on those lost.


I took the photos below of a beautiful memorial outside Saint Ephram's Church in Brooklyn, New York, in remembrance to the nine parishioners that lost their lives on 9-11.



The statue is called “Jesus taking the Towers to His Heart,” made by the The Demetz Art Studio.



A close up of this remarkably touching sculpture.



The scripture on the base of the statue.

 Please say a prayer for the innocent lives lost on 9-11. Do something good in your community in their memory. Be part of the September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance.  Learn more at the Understanding 9-11 web site.  

Never forget! Let love be the answer, not hate. 

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I’m linking up today with Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday.

73 comments:

Tanna said...

I will never forget.

From the Kitchen said...

Thank you for a caring tribute this morning. I did make promises that day. Some I've kept. Some I need to work on.

Best,
Bonnie

camp and cottage living said...

Pat
Thank you for sharing with us information that we don't all have access to. I watch the news reports, but there seems to always be fighting over the whole memorial process.
How could one ever forget that day?

Barbara F. said...

I knew I could count on you, Pat, to do a moving tribute. I lost four friends that day, and have been so sad these last few days. I posted today also. There aren't too many, so far, that I've seen. Not only did I lose friends, I know so many others who suffered a loss that day. My dad was an NYFD fireman, so I feel a very strong affinity. xo,

Gracey is not my name.... said...

Thank you....although I did not personally lose anyone, I live in CT and many lost family from CT. Also my father was born and raised in the city and I spent a lot of time there and have a love for the city...and I mourn...I am trying my best, as a teacher to help educate children on being better people..as the plaque at the front of my room reads, "Because nice matters."

Donnie said...

Such a sad day in our nations history. I pray for all those affected by 9/11 and our brave military who have protected us from another one. You paid a lovely tribute to them.

LindyLouMac said...

Thankyou for such an interesting and informative post as a tribute for such a sad day.

Pondside said...

Well done, well said, Pat. I was sure I'd find something from you on this anniversary, and this was incredibly moving.
The attack was on the USA, but the effects were far-reaching. Life has not been the same - will never be the same on this side of the border either. The ongoing response to the hatred that was behind these terrible events has meant that we in the western world are less free as our governments institute more and more security measures out of fear. I know we can never go back to the way it was, but I pray that responses like yours, attitudes like yours will prevail among all of us and that we'll rise above the fear and animosity.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Pat - It is hard for me whenever this anniversary comes around, having been at ground zero many times as a reporter following the tragic event. When I first met my husband in 1969, we went downtown with his architect brother who wanted to show us the excavations for the towers. They were just big holes in the ground back then. The thing I love most about your post is the positive looking forward, the message about love. I do believe in the end that "love endures." Your post is thoughtful and well said. We should all take these words to heart.

Judy said...

A most touching tribute to those who lost their lives in 9/11...and a timely challenge to all of us to examine our lives. Life will never be the same after 9/11...but you have chosen such a positive way to respond to the events of that day. Thank-you.

Claudia said...

September brings a heavy heart. But yes - love does endure. I cannot watch the videos. Never could. I can gaze lovingly at the memorial and wish it wasn't needed.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

I remember that day like it was yesterday. There wasn't a cloud in the sky only the prettiest bright blue. I remember thinking how could this horrible, unthinkable thing be happening on such a beautiful day. It didn't seem real. I think most of us were in shock. I will never forget. A very moving heartfelt tribute. Thank you Pat.

ellen b. said...

Wonderful post Pat...

The Gathering Place said...

What a beautiful tribute to such an awful event and a terrible time. I will never forget all the strong feelings of love and patriotism that resulted from it. It is good to remember.

Lacey R said...

Wonderful post Pat. I have been thrilled to see my favorite city in the world, NYC, thrive again after the events of 9/11.

Sheila said...

Pat - your memories, thoughts and encouragement to all of to love and not hate is such wise counsel. It is easy to be cynical in this world of ours when there are so many reasons to be confused at the chaos and destruction of both natural and man made destruction in our beautiful world. But as you suggest, each of us can make a difference in our world and kindness, love tolerance and optimism are our hope for the future.

GailO said...

This is one of the most wonderful posts I have ever read Pat! If everyone had your philosophy and heart there would certainly only be peace and love in the world...why does something that sounds so simple appear to be so impossible?

I love your instamatic photo...and you!

Anonymous said...

My friend lost her only child in this horrible disaster. It still brings me to tears just thinking about it & no doubt always will.
Such a beautiful post!!
Love,
Marilyn

Flavia Galasso said...

I shall never forget..even if I'm not an American..anyway I feel to be an American....come to my blog tomorrow.... there is my tribute to September 9th 2001..... a strong hug to you and all American people.... ciao Flavia

Old Kitty said...

It'll be so good once the memorial and new buildings are finished - at the moment - it's very hard to envisage how ground zero will truly look like with all the construction. The trees planted are lovely and I think the memorial pools will be a wonderful way to reflect and remember - water is very healing!

I too truly believe to counter hate with love, always, always - love and understanding and compassion and more love in the face of ignorance, bile and hatred.

Take care, Pat and family! May your tomorrow be peaceful and full of love. Take care
x

Raindrops and Daisies said...

I will never forget and I think that those lost will always be remembered by the world.

Sending my sympathies to all who lost loved ones on that day.

Fiona

ps thank you for the wonderful photographs.

Betsy Brock said...

Wonderful tribute! It's a sad day for all of us. I've watched with interest the building of the memorial site. It's going to be amazing! Although we all hurt, I think it must be so much so for those of you who live right there.

Vee said...

Pat, you continue to amaze me. You deserve special recognition for the work that you have done living up to your goal of seeing your city and sharing it with all of us. I was so inspired by the last video. It is wonderful to see the rebuilding begin. As for love...yes, love; although, it is impossible to love evil, we can love people as He has loved us. Thank you so much for this post.

Linda said...

I have been watching everything about the Memorial on Fox News...I think the waterfall and trees all around it with the names being linked together is amazing...but it saddens me to watch...I seem to stand and cry everytime I think about it...

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Pat, this is such a moving tribute, and thank you for writing it. You put into words so well the thoughts of many, myself included and I agree wholeheartedly with everything you have said. Reading your words made me very sorrowful all over again, and when I saw the statue of Jesus the tears fell in earnest. Only love can overcome the ravages caused by ignorance and hate...

Sarah said...

Pat, thank you for sharing these photos. I don't think many of us will ever forget the horror or this event.
There is an oak tree in our neighborhood. It was planted as a sapling after 9/11 by three young children in memory of those lost. It's now taller than I am. A beautiful memorial! ~ Sarah

Arlene Delloro said...

Thank you for a beautiful post, Pat. I especially appreciated seeing the statue at St. Ephram's. I'll never forget that day. I was still working as principal of an elementary school and remember how terrified we all felt as we held ourselves together for the sake of the children. It's hard to imagine how those who lost loved ones have endured these past 10 years.

Kathleen said...

I am disappointed the Mayor decided to keep reps from the major religions out of the ceremony. It is faith that pulled us through those difficult times.
I am glad the politicians will not be able to "politicize" this sad anniversary
It should be all about those who died, and their families who live the horror everyday.
It touched my family personally, and we will never forget.

Sandy said...

Excellent post and great information Pat! I didn't even know that a new world trade center was being built. I will never forget.

deb said...

thank you so much for this tribute! I had the pleasure of lunching at the World Trade Center when my husband spent a month there training at Morgan Stanley....its just unreal thats its gone........but never forgotten.

Buttercup said...

I'd spent so much time at the Trade Center. I worked down the street and at least a few times a week took the subway there, stopping to do a few errands. There is still a hole in my heart when I'm downtown and walk in the area. Had lunch with friends at Windows on the World just before Labor Day that year. Can't remember what we were celebrating, but never dreamed it would our last celebration there.

Unknown said...

My husband used to work for American Express Bank at WTC 7. Excellent blog post. I shared my memories yesterday at my blog: momsperiments.blogspot.com.

Elettra said...

are close to you on this day I remember the pain! I pray with you |

La Petite Gallery said...

Thank you for this.
When I was in NYC I saw such a difference in the people. In the
80's it was a feeling of be aware, be carefull, no eye contact. Now I have to say everyone in NYC was so kind and helpfull to us, I was
really impressed. There was a change for the good. Thanks again for this marvelous Tribute to
those inocent humans who perished in 9-11. I will never forget or FORGIVE this crime against Humanity. Thanks yvonne

steviewren said...

Pat, like you I also believe that only extreme love can change those whose hearts want to do evil.

I believe that only the love of Jesus Christ has the power to change man in such a profound and lasting way. May we all turn to Him to cleanse our hearts and give us love and forgiveness for those who trespass against us. And may they find that His gospel is one of redemption, not hatred.

RoeH said...

A couple of years before the unforgetable happened, I was in NY and we went to Ellis Island on the Ferry. Coming back I was hanging out on the side of the boat looking at the city. I saw these two large towers and asked my son in law what they were. He told me they were the World Trade Center. I look back on that now and fervently wish I had been interested and knowledgable enough about them to take a photo but I didn't. I really didn't know anything about them. Which I find sad. Or ignorant. If there is one person in this country that does not get sad and teary-eyed at every single anniversary of this unnessary tragedy dealt out by pitiful little cowards, I find that incredible.

Thank you for this wonderful post.

Lisa@GrandmasBriefs said...

Pat, this is beautiful. I was holding back tears before your site even loaded all the way, knowing that as poignant as you always are, this was going to be a heart-clinching one to read. It was, but in a beautiful way. And you have certainly held to this: "One of the things I decided on that fateful day was that I wanted to enjoy my own city more and go to all the places I had left for 'someday.'"
My heart and prayers go out to all affected by the events...and to you, in thanks, for encouraging hope and love and peace. And for the photos...always for the photos. Hugs to you, my sweet NYC friend.

Yvette said...

I won't forget, Pat. Never as long as I live.

I grew up in NYC and still consider it my home town. A town I love.

Thanks for a very moving and informational post.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

My thoughts are with you and all Americans today. x

Anonymous said...

All of us mourn with you, particularly as so many countries were affected by the loss of their own countrymen when this tragedy happened.

And we will all go on, trying to be better, more loving people, in their memory.

We will never forget.

H said...

I was reading yesterday about the redevelopment of Ground Zero. As an outsider, it seems to me to be a very fitting tribute to those who lost their lives.

Hold on to your principles Pat. Love is strong.

gramma said...

We will never forget. And, Pat, thank you for sharing with us your photos and painful memories; we've all had them, and tears. We have all been changed; we would all do well to try and adopt your attitude in doing something positive to replace all the pain.

Just a little something from Judy said...

I just knew I would find a beautiful, meaningful tribute to 9/11, here on this blog. Your pictures and tribute are so well written and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing pictures I might not see anywhere else. So good to be here. I for one am so thankful that you blog, and for all I continue to learn here.

Betty said...

Thank you Pat for that wonderful and informative post. I think you and I both have the same dream. The one positive thing about 9/11 was the unity afterwards and now that seems to be gone...often replaced with hatred. At least that's how it seems to me. Ten years ago we didn't have all the social media and people weren't forwarding E-mails to everyone in their address book. Now hateful misinformation gets passed around as fact and fuels hatred. I've been sad for days and will continue to be sad for days to come. They tell us never to forget, but I couldn't forget even if I tried. It's a different world now. We owe it to all those lost lives to do better.

black eyed susans kitchen said...

When that first picture was taken Pat, I worked across the street at one Libery Plaza at Merrill Lynch. The towers weren't complete, but they were busy with office workers and restaurants on the lower level. I loved that place! When it comes to the energy of love triumphing over evil, you and I are of one mind. This was a wonderful post.
♥, Susan

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Beautiful post. So enjoyed seeing the memorial with Jesus taking the twin towers unto his heart.

Sea Witch said...

A beautiful tribute. Thank you for your photos and heartfelt words.

Rajesh said...

Very nice tribute.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

A touching tribute Pat. I couldn't watch the YouTube video though as I can play the whole thing over in my mind.
Judith

Beth said...

Beautiful tribute, Pat. I was glad to see your "before" photos as well as the photos of the memorial site.
Blessings,Beth

myletterstoemily said...

you and your city are my heroes! i pray that
the Lord will continue to prosper you.

Unknown said...

Pat,
Thank you for putting together this thought provoking post.

I've thought about you today...when I visited my mom she mentioned a friend of hers that lives in NYC, and I mentioned you.

The pictures and television coverage today have been mesmerizing to me....and brought tears.

For some reason it is harder to watch the video now than when it actually was happening. I guess the whole country was in shock. That is the only way I can explain my feelings.

You are a wonderful person....it is very hard not to hate the people who did this to our country...only with God's help is it possible.

You have certainly given us all something to think about!

I know I shall never forget, and my hearts go out to those who had loved ones lost in this tragedy.

Take care, and keep blogging!
:)

Dee Dee said...

Thank you Pat for such a beautiful tribute....love your Blog post each day....this was exceptional.
Lord bless....Dee Dee

Lovella ♥ said...

I've thought of you so much today dear Pat! We won't ever forget ..how could we?
It was my turn to post for Bread for the Journey on MGCC today and I felt so inadequate. How can one even speak to this anniversary?

Hugs!

Gracie said...

Yes, I think that love, understanding, acceptance of diversity, can be the right answer....even when it gets so difficult to do so. Yesterday I was watching tv, all the ceremony from the WTC and I was so moved, just sitting in my home, miles away and not being directly affected by any loss. I can barely imaging how new yorkers and americans may feel. My heart is out with you all.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Pat, you have a wonderful post and tribute to 9/11. I will never forget the horror of the terrorists attacks. I have these scenes burned into my memory. I am so sorry for all the victims and families. I do like the new memorials and reflecting pools. Maybe someday I will be able tos ee them in person. Thanks for sharing.

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Thank you for this post and your wonderful sentiment. Just like other tragic events that have happened in my life time this too I will carry in a special way in my heart. Cathy

Mary said...

Pat~ Such a wonderful post. We were watching coverage yesterday, it's hard to believe it's been 10 years, particularly moving when you see the children of 9/11. Thank your for sharing this~

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

Thanks for your post today Pat and the wonderful photos of what is taking place to honour those people who lost their lives. I will never forget those images of the planes hitting those towers and the terror we felt. V

Tracy said...

So wonderfully expressed word and image, Pat! I think you've put into words so well what we are all feeling right now. It seems unbelievable that it's 10 years on already... Sometimes it's like it just happened, the feelings are still so raw... And after some time, it's still all so unfathomable. So much has not been the same since. Love is the greatest healer though...With love burning bright, it soothes the rawness, soothes the heart & mind, soothes the world... LOVE what they are doing to transform the World Trade Center now. No, will never forget... ((LOVE & HUGS))

nanny said...

Pat....this tribute is very, very touching. I have never seen either video. The building of the memorial, well I will watch it many more times. The memorial could not be more perfect. Simply breathtaking.

I had not seen the statue either. Isn't it touching?

Thank you so much for sharing all of these pictures and videos.

Let Love Be The Answer....

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

This was one of the best tribute posts I read, Pat. Thanks!

Snap said...

Beautiful tribute, Pat. "Let love be the answer, not hate." Amen!

Skye said...

I will never forget. What a horrific day that most of us would like to forget - but we can not. We must not. Great post. I am going to repost this on my blog under my 911 post if you do not mind. I still to this day, drive to the city expecting to see the towers, and forgetting for just a few seconds that they are no longer there.

My Little Home and Garden said...

Pat,
This is a moving post. It's good to know that the promise you made to get to know your own city better has been so beautifully realized in your blog.
-Karen

Donna said...

So very very sad. A day we will never forget.

Nance said...

Couldn't bring myself to visit your blog yesterday, knowing how poignant it would be. Couldn't stay away today, though. Thank you.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

What a wonderful, comprehensive and heartfelt tribute, Pat. It has been so hard to relive that day but so important to do so.

Jacqueline said...

Thanks so much for the view of the new construction. I haven't seen that yet. I too still cry. I can't imagine what yesterday would be like for those who lost loved ones.

diane b said...

A great tribute to those poor innocent people and their loved ones.It is a beautiful memorial too. Is it open to the public now?

Veronica said...

Hi Pat. what a moving tribute. No matter where in the world we live it had an impact on us. Thank you for reminding us to look again at our lives and to remember.

VEronica

dianasfaria.com said...

Well said Pat. & I too believe love is the answer.

Jenny said...

Oh Pat. What a poignant and beautiful tribute. Bless you.