I visited the 9/11 Memorial in lower Manhattan last year, but have yet to blog about it, as I felt too emotional spent afterward to put everything I saw into words. Since the eleventh anniversary of this sad and terrible event is approaching, I felt it was time to show you what I saw.
The 9/11 Memorial is located at the World Trade Center. You can see the new One World Trade Center under construction in the photo above, Visitors can access the Memorial Plaza by presenting a visitor pass at the 9/11 Memorial entry at the northwest corner of Albany and Greenwich Streets. The timed reservation passes have to be applied for online at this link. You will have to wait on a line and pass through many security checks before entering the Memorial site.
There were informational signs to read on the way onto the grounds.
The sign above gives a diagram of where to find the names of those who were lost on 9/11. The names of every person who died in the terrorist attacks of February 26, 1993, and September 11, 2001, are inscribed in bronze ledges that surround the twin Memorial pools. The names are grouped with whom they perished in or near the World Trade Center buildings, the Pentagon, as well as all who perished on the four airplanes.
The Memorial Plaza occupies eight of the 16 acres at the World Trade Center. The Memorial is described on its web site as "a tribute to the past and a place of hope for the future."
The National September 11 Memorial Museum within the Memorial Plaza will serve as the country’s principal institution for examining the implications of the events of 9/11, documenting the impact of those events and exploring the continuing significance of September 11, 2001.
My first look at the large memorial pools took my breath away! They are located on the footprints of the two buildings that were destroyed that fateful day.
The appearance and sound of the waterfalls emptying into a black void was very dramatic. They are a beautiful expression of the feeling of loss that was left in the hearts of all who mourn the victims.
My husband and I walked around and said a prayer at all the names of the people we knew who were lost that day--the photo mosaic above shows many of their names They were our friends, neighbors, work associates, and former schoolmates.
I also wanted to say a prayer by the name of someone I didn't know in person, who was on Flight 77 that went into the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
Her name is Suzanne M. Calley, 1957 - 2001
On two trips to California, my husband and I happened to take a rest stop in Lover Point Park in the town of Pacific Grove. There, under this tree, is a peaceful memorial bench looking out towards the beautiful blue bay.
The bench is a memorial to Suzanne Marie Calley. On our second visit to Pacific Grove, there was a bouquet of flowers and a note on the bench that was placed there by Suzanne's mother on what would have been her birthday. It really touched my heart.
Rest in peace, Suzanne.
There were poignant remembrances left on many names around the memorial pools...
343 Firefighters were killed on 9/11
I'm sure you remember this photo of men carrying the body of Fire Chaplain Father Mychal Judge from Tower One, where he was one of the first casualties of the brave first responders. I found this photo on this NPR web page, where you can also read a beautiful story about Father Mychal.
Rest in Peace, Father Mychal.
A bouquet of pink roses.
It was especially sad to see the names of expectant mothers and their "unborn child."
Many people were making rubbings of the names of those whom they knew.
A couple of years ago I showed you in this post, a neighborhood memorial in Brooklyn, New York, among other neighborhood 9/11 memorials.
It was dedicated to Firefighter Gregory Thomas Saucedo 1969 -2001. He was last seen climbing the stairs of Tower One on 9/11
Rest in peace, Gregory.
Too many lost
Too many mourned
Too many lives cut short
Too many hopes and dreams never fulfilled
Too many sad memories
Too many names...
Too many names.
May they all rest in peace
May we always remember them, and
May God Bless America!
May God Bless America!
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91 comments:
What a beautiful post about a tragic time in our history. Reading and seeing your photos brought back the sadness of the whole affair. The memorial looks very well thought out.
I've spent some time pouring over your post this morning. Of course you would know many of those folks personally! So sorry for your loss and the country's loss. As the anniversary approaches each year, I think I will not be as affected as the year before. Time does heal but for those for whom time stopped that day, I'll never stop thinking about. Thank you for such a beautiful tribute and reminder.
Best,
Bonnie
An incredible post, Pat. Thank you!
The Memorial is indeed a place of overwhelming sorry and loss and - beauty. You captured it's poignancy with love and care and so honored those you knew and didn't know.
Beautiful post, Pat. Thank you.
Oh my goodness Pat, what an emotional post. You did it beautifully too. I was there, in March after the attacks. They were still finding bodies. It was so incredibly difficult to visit that site, and think of the total devastation that took place. I think they have done a beautiful job with the memorial site.
Hugs,
Kris
I'm in tears sitting here. What a lovely tribute Pat, to those who lost their lives that day. A day none of us will ever forget. Thanks so much for sharing this...
Dear Pat, I read your 9/11 Memorial with tears in my eyes. I remember exactly where I was at the time....working in school. We couldn't believe the horror which was unfolding before our very eyes. My love and best wishes go to you and all your friends who lost someone close to them. They will always be remembered. Best Wishes Daphne
What a beautifully, poignant post, Pat. I will look for that bench next time I'm in Pacific Grove/Monterey.
I visit NYC a few times a year and have still been unable to bring myself to visit this site. I am not sure what it is I dread...the upheaval of emotions? I think it will be a cleansing uplifting when I can get myself to do it...I will try to make it soon:)
A wonderful post Pat...
Thank you for sharing today. the photos say so much and you have presented it all in such a beautiful, moving, quiet way.
Your sensitive and beautiful post brought it all back to me in all it's anguish and sadness...I am glad there is such a powerful memorial there for all this loss. I think the pools with all that water rushing down into the black pit says it all...
Powerful stuff.
I was already thinking about this for next week.
This is powerful indeed. I think you captured it perfectly and made us all feel like we are there experiencing all of the sad emotions that you must have felt. We are taking our son up there in a few weeks and this is on our to-do list. I have already planned on filling my purse full of tissue.
Pat I must tell you that I appreciate this most honorable Remembrance of
9/11...even though I have broke down and cried like a baby,this post has given me a wonderful look at the new Memorial I may never get that way again so I wanted to tell you,THANK YOU!....I do so appreciate this.
What a beautiful tribute Pat to the people you knew and those you did not. Terry and I visited the Memorial on our recent visit and although I did not personally know the people who were tragically killed I was deeply moved and had to say a prayer for them and for their families they left behind.
Wat à beautiful memorial post Pat, I sit here with tears in my eyes. What a terrible and sad day it was, not only for the USA but for all the world. We were all I shock and it changed the world for good. Thank you for showing me all these places and names.
Thank you for your unique perspective. Thank you for showing the connections from one coast to the other...very poignant.
The pools are such a beautiful memorials - peaceful and calm and the water - just the sound and sight of it running freely makes one reflect and meditate. Beautiful.
Take care
x
Powerful memorial pictures of such a tragic event to remember forever.
God bless their souls.
Have a lovely weekend ~
GIVEAWAY ends 9/9
TTFN ~ Marydon
A very moving post. Happy PS.
Pat, what a lovely tribute! It was such a sad day and one I will never forget. God Bless all that lost their lives on 9/11.
Beautiful post, Pat.
Oh, Pat, I'm crying as I read this. Thank you for sharing this post. It's beautiful! Will never forget that day.
Hugs to you.........Sarah
This was one the saddest days in our history. Beautiful post Pat. I would have been crying the entire time if I had written it.
Sam
A nice tribute but it's with a heavy heart that I read this, such a needless tragedy.
Pat, what a lovely tribute to that tragic day. I understand how you would be touched personally by living and knowing people there. I'm amazed at how you happened to take your rest stop where you found the memorial bench for Suzanne M. Calley. I'm sure it was emotional seeing the bench and the flowers from her mother. Your photos are beautiful and really capture the beauty of the memorial. Thank you for sharing it with us.
~Emily
The French Hutch
Thank you so much for this. I am going to send the link to my children.
What a beautiful and emotional post! I am so impressed with the waterfall on the footprint. Your photos really show how large and sacred it is. Thanks for sharing this as 9/11 comes around again! May all those heros rest in peace!
Such a tribute! Visiting from Pink Saturday.
PINK reminds is my entry.
Have a great weekend!
Pat
Thank you for sharing your personal pilgramage through the memorial site. It gives so much more detail than anything I have seen anywhere else. I can only imagine how sobering it is to view the site and the names of those who lost their lives on that day.
It still makes me tear up.
Crying my heart out, Pat... I know this was hard for you ---not only to see it yourself, but then to report on it... Thanks so much for the very moving tribute to 9/11. I'm not sure we'll ever see it in person --so I really appreciate your blog post...
I will miss your NYC/Brooklyn posts---but I'll also enjoy your CO posts...
Hugs,
Betsy
Every September, I can't believe another year has gone by since 9-11-01. That memorial has turned out so wonderful, too!
Once again we've seen something that many of us will have no chance to see. For that I'm grateful. Your summation is so well written. Thank you.
Pat - You posted such a heartfelt entry on the tragedy and the many lives lost that day. It had special significance for you and Vinny, having known some of the people personally and I know it must have been unbearably sad for you. I still can't bring myself to go there, having covered the event as a reporter, right after 9/11. I will never forget the smells, and the smoking, tangled mess of metal in giant heaps up close that awful September day and the weeks that followed.
Dear Pat, Your post is an outstanding memorial to those whose lives were lost on the fateful day. Also a tribute to those who were left behind to grieve the terrible loss of loved ones.
My sisters and I visited NY and saw the names listed in memorial. The finished memorial is stunning. Especially the water feature. This brought me to tears Pat. It is so hard to understand how anyone could hate us this much.
Thank you for sharing your visit at this time.
Love, Jeanne
A picture speaks a thousand words.
I was tearing up while reading this.
I can understand why this has been a difficult post for you to finally write. I still give me so much grief when I think about it.
It's hard to believe it's been 11 years - it doesn't seem that long ago.
Lovely tribute, Pat.
I'm sitting here in tears reading your touching and beautiful tribute to 9/11. My heart is hurting. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos and thoughts.
dix---
Hi Pat, Please forgive my typing as I cannot see the keyboard. This is a very emotional issue for me. We drove past the area Friday night. I have not yet been to visit. I worked in 2 WTC but was not working there anymore on 9/11, although my firm was still there, with many friends. Al worked in 1 WTC but was on a flight to Korea at the time. I watched in horror on tv as the second plane flew into the second tower. I still feel shock and sadness as I recall that horrible day waiting to hear of dear friends and get in contact with my husband in Korea. I hear that the memorial is beautiful, and someday I will see it.
Thank you for the tour and the incredibly beautiful and thoughtful post.
Linda
That was beautiful and I am crying..too many lost...there is too much hate in this world...and innocent people suffer...I hope to visit this on my next trip into the city...
you did a beautiful job expressing what you saw and how you felt
and your photos are lovely
well done
thank you
I'm so glad you shared this. I've not been to the site, not really wanting to experience the memory of what happened there. Perhaps it's time. The memorial is a stunning tribute.
I had difficulty reading this post, I can imagine the emotion of putting it together.
My hubby is a retired Toronto Fire Captain and the lives lost that day hit hard here, and not just for the firefighters. When I went to the bank, my usual teller was absent - her husband was there on business and was killed. Such a sad and tragic day, imprinted in my mind forever.
A nice tribute post and a reminder not to take things for granted.
Judith
Beautifully written and presented, Pat. These pictures are so moving. We live in North Carolina and visited NYC in 2005. While there, we visited Ground Zero, and I took some pictures. What really hit me hard was seeing the small fire station right across the street from the former World Trade Center. I think they were the very first responders, and they have a bronze plaque with the men's pictures and a small memorial in the station.
Thank you for sharing this.
Denise at Forest Manor
This post brought a tear to my eye - Hubs and I went to the Memorial last December and it was a very sombre experience. I remember walking the streets around the memorial afterwards and just imagining what it must have been like that day.
Such a sad day in our recent history and one I hope does not happen again. A beautiful park is being established as a memorial. Valerie
It is hard for me to even think of a comment. Thank you for sharing your visit...I can imagine how sobering it would be to be there in person. Sweet hugs to you, my friend.
Both my husband and son are firefighters, so it was very difficult here. A beautiful tribute to the fallen of 9/11. Take care.
Pat, this is such a moving post; a beautiful tribute to those wonderful souls whom we have lost. I've been to NYC 3 times since 9/11 and being the emotional person that I am, I cannot visit the memorial. I know that I would fall apart. But maybe someday. So I thank you for giving me this visual walk through a worthy, peaceful, and beautiful memorial.
PS: My husband read your post alongside me and he wanted to thank you too (and he is even MORE emotional than I am!).
Thank you for this touching post. I can't imagine how deep the grief and loss... Prayers are with you as this anniversary draws near again.
Wonderful tribute. I had been there before the tragedy.
I have been thinking all week about 9/11. Thank you for this post. I cried and every hair bristled on my neck. I am so touched.
yvonne
a beautiful tribute and reminder, Pat. I will never forget. blessings ~ tanna
The Memorial has been sensitively and beautifully planned, I think... See all the names, that waterfall, and the trees... my heart overflows... It still feels raw, doesn't it, but there are moments of peace within that... Thank you for this, Pat ((HUGS))
Tears well up as I read this post. Such beautiful tributes in your words. I will never forget that day, yet no one I knew was involved. You, who were there and knew so many, must feel the ache constantly.
God's blessings on you today, Pat.
Tomorrow will be 11 years but my eyes never dried out every time I remember this moment and how many innocent souls are gone. They are always remembered and prayed and so those families and people who are suffering from what happened. We all should pray for them and pray it would never happen again. Thanks Pat!
Kim,USA
I can see why this would be hard for you to write, Pat. It was a very emotional, yet moving post to read.
As we mark the anniversary of 9/11 your post will be on my mind.
Hi Pat,
This is a beautiful post. We too, lost friends and neighbors. Thankfully, my husband made it home that day, but he said he will never forget the looks on the firefighter's faces, as they climbed the stairs with their equipment weighing them down.
Today, as I passed my neighbor's home in the wee hour of the morning, I realized that her eldest, (who'd only been in the
1st grade when her husband died) is now in her first year of college.
Every year, I've listened for the names of our friends, and I am always aware of where my husband's name could have been. Then I say a prayer of thanks, and wish peace to all the souls, and their survivors.
Great post, such a senseless loss. Its amazing how many memorials there are to the lives lost in the attacks. Even some small towns here in Oklahoma have memorials.
Those memorial pools are simply amazing. I was there in February and found them very moving.
So much loss of life, which is continuing even today in so many needless wars.
Pat, I can't even imagine living there. When our youngest daughters choir went to NYC in 2005 it was stunning to visit the area. Words just don't even begin to speak to the imagining's that I have. Praying His peace for all who may be reliving it as the sun rises on this anniversary day. I remember walking out of a restaurant with a friend after grabbing a quick breakfast. The sky was so blue and it was filled with loop after loop of plane contrails as they returned to Kansas City. Then I sat with my family all day and watched the tv so stunned. My hubby came home from work and we sat, we cried, we prayed...for a city we did not know, people we could not see, a horror we could not imagine, yet our hearts were so broken. Praying His peace for those remembering pain refreshed by this anniversary. Beautiful post.
Such a fitting memorial and place of remembrance for all those lives lost.
A very fitting memorial. No one should ever forget that this was done by mankind to mankind and should never be repeated.
I read your post amid tears. How touching a tribute to those who lost their lives that day. Thank you for posting it so that I may remember in a more special way.
Such a tragedy - and what a different world we live in since then. You have posted a wonderful tribute.
I wish you peace this week.
I am linking up to you through Mosaic Monday.
Pat, I am overcome with emotion as you share this experience. You are so right - too much sadness.
I am so glad you shared this with all of us. We need to remember, and we need to try to continue to unite our hearts as we did with this tragedy. Our country needs to return to being united.
Thank you for this remembrance of that day.
Great tour of the site!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Thank you for posting this, it is a beautiful post.
Such sadness. It's difficult for me to even read this. I can't imagine having been right there nor having lost friends, family, or acquaintances. A beautiful tribute to the horrible heartbreak of that day.
What fantastic photos. What a sad day that was 11 years ago. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post. I was happy to see the picture of the bench at Pacific Grove. I have visited that area many times. It is so beautiful. I had never heard about this bench.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Thanks for this, Pat. I've given up trying to put my feelings in words. All I posted today was a pix of the flag. For me it's a symbol of continuance.
I learned a lot from your post. Thank you.
I haven't been able to see the memorial, but I plan to.
I tried watching some videos of the day online - as it happened - but I just couldn't. IT was too heart breaking. To upsetting. To angry-making. Yes, I admit it. I'm still angry.
You have blessed all of us with this tour of the memorial both with your photos and your words. Thank you.
I loved this! How appropriate and timely...
just beautiful!
a great tribute. the pools are stunning. i've never googled them. your blog is my first view of them "upclose". thank you.
Did you read Joe Biden's remarks from the anniversary observance, quoting Yeats:
"But my guess is you’re living this moment that Yeats only wrote about, when he wrote, pray I will and sing I must, but yet I weep."
A touching post. Thank you for sharing this.
I was brusshing my teeth in a hotel room in Prince Rupert, BC, when the second plane hit the tower. I tried to watch the Today Show film on MSNBC yesterday, but just could not bring myself to do it. I told Rod on that day that our world would never be the same, and it isn't.
Your photos are lovely, Pat.
What a magnificent post ~ Wonderful! ~ healing prayers for all ~ (A Creative Harbor)
This is a beautiful tribute.
What a wonderful tribute! I love that you include the smaller memorial. The bench looks like a wonderful place to sit reflect and remember.
Dear Pat, what a stunning memorial! I am always so sad to be reminded of the innocent loss of life. My youngest daughter was in OKC this summer. I told her to go to the memorial there. Although I did not know anyone personally who perished on 9-11 I worked with a woman who's daughter worked int he first tower. She was ok and was late to work that day! But I remember praying with her mom at work that morning! As for OKC many people I know lost loved ones. When the trial was here it was hard for me because each morning I drove my hubby to work and had to pass the Federal courthouse. On a happier note I have a postcard from NYC that my Auntie Mary sent us the year after the towers were built. She was so amazed to visit them with her only son and his family. I still cherish that postcard!
As always Pat you express such a beautiful array of emotions here and share some remarkable things with us.
I was at the cemetery this weekend and I always carry my pencils and paper to trace over the old gravestones of loved ones I did not even know!
I have visited the traveling Vietnam memorial wall and when it was in Thornton a few years ago I went there every night for a week. Another story of innocent lives lost and for what?
God Bless You
Anne
Thank you for this beautiful post, Pat. I have resisted going there as I know I will spend the entire time crying. We watched a documentary on The History Channel on Tuesday night. It was put together from videos made by nonprofessionals during the actual attacks. It had scenes that I'd never seen before and it took our breath away and brought that terrible day back with such force that we couldn't move for the two hours.
A great tribute to all those poor people. Your pics of the beautiful memorial are touching. They were still finishing it when we were there in June 2011. It must have been awful for you to have lost friends and neighbours.
You've really outdone yourself with this touching post, Pat, and the photography is so wonderful I feel like I'm right there with you.
Your words are evocative, too, and I thank you so much for sharing this experience with us.
I do love the monument. It feels just right to me.
Thanks again.
=)
This is a very beautiful and moving post Pat. Thanks for sharing the photos and from your heart. God bless those who mourn with comfort and peace. Pamela
A day forever etched in our memory! A beautiful post as we remember. Thanks, Pat.
This post is a lovely memorial to those brave souls who lost their lives that horrible day. I haven't been to see the World Trade Center site since 2005. I would love to see it now that these memorials are there and there is hope in the air.
Robin
My heart is heavy this morning as I read this post, and reread it. It all seems surreal whenever I think of it all. You did a most beautiful and meaningful post on the remembrance of it all. I feel like I have a better grasp on the anniversary happenings of it , with all of these perfectly captured, up close pictures. You truly passed many emotions along with your post. Thank you for adding personal touches to a very devasting and sad memory. May we never forget.
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