Thursday, 20 September 2012
In Remembrance of 9/11
It was a little over 11 years ago and we all remember that horrible day. This post is dedicated to those who died that day, as well as a remembrance of those we will revenge!
After seeing the Tower of Freedom the first day we were on Manhattan, Meriam and I wanted more than ever to visit the 9/11 memorial site. For those of you who have the opportunity, we highly recommend it. It is a very moving experience. One must register and get a ticket to visit the site. There is no cost, but do this early. We had the first available time at 10:00a. It still took us more than an hour to actually get into the site. Lines are very long and security is VERY tight.
To some degree, the area seems quite small when you consider the two huge buildings that were once on this site. The architects did a wonderful job, creating a moving and respectful presentation.
Harold and Meriam
This is the first thing you see when you enter. Quite peaceful.
In the distance, the clouds reflect off the surface of Freedom Tower No. 1. The tree in the middle with the protective fence is special. We will mention it later.
There are two pools on the site, each standing on the exact footprint of one of the towers. Water flows from the upper edge, down to the first landing, then continues down to the bottomless pit!
Names of all the victims of all four flights and the corresponding towers are recorded on the edges around the pool. The North Pool has the names from Flight 11 and the North Tower. The South Pool has the names from First Responders, Flight 175, the Pentagon, and Flights 77 and 93.
It was hard to hold back tears as one viewed the site!
Another view of the North Pool. As I stood by, I observed a middle aged lady approach the site, run her hand tenderly over one of the engraved names and begin to cry. Obviously this was one of her friend or relatives.
This is a special area set aside where people who have lost loved ones can find their names electronically and place their name location on the respective Pool.
This is known as “The Survivor Tree”. It was the only thing to live after the Twin Towers were destroyed. The “Survivor Tree” was plucked from the wreckage of the World Trade Center and nursed back to health. When it was first retrieved, it was only a stump. No one believed it would survive. As you can see, it has flourished. The knotted area is how much it has grown since 9/11/01. In addition to the horrific destruction of the towers, it has also survived a hurricane which up rooted it!