I can still remember where I was when I heard the news. I was a second year P.E. student at the U of A and had just sat down for my 9:30 am Exercise Physiology class (yes, P.E. students do more than just play volleyball!). My friend Jackie leaned over and asked "Did you hear?" I, having just arrived on campus from my early morning piano lesson that ran a little late, was completely oblivious to what she was talking about, let alone have witnessed yet the 'standing room only' sight that was the Students' Union Building, where literally thousands of students were crammed shoulder to shoulder, eyes transfixed to CNN on the overhead TV's. A stunned silence and feeling of disbelief lingered not only on campus for that day and many to follow, but around the world as well.
Everyone has their own views, thoughts and perceptions of that days' events. And now, six years later, falling for the first time again on a Tuesday, but this time on a hazy, overcast, thunderstormy Tuesday, it appears that the pressing issue of debate for many New Yorker's lies in the question of "how much is too much?"... commemoration that is. Memorial and remembrance ceremonies again took place today at the World Trade Center site and at numerous churches throughout the city, much like they have with each passing year, along with a series of free concerts to fill the skies with music. For those who survived and endured however, but with significant pain and loss, it's possible that the feeling of a somewhat publicly scripted mourning that is attached to this day year after year, resonates an unrelenting feeling of weariness and fatigue.
It would be interesting to know whether next years' 'commemorative' events will take place at the same decibel level as they did today, or whether the idea as to how to memorialize loved ones will be left more solely in the hands of those who unfortunately may know all too well. Who knows, maybe if I'm lucky, I'll still be here to find out.
The Freedom Tower will soar 1,776 feet in the sky and will serve as an inspirational beacon on the New York City skyline. 
'Reflecting Absence' will be the memorial honoring the heroes lost in the terrorist attacks. Incorporating two large pools of water residing in the footprints of the Twin Towers, it will include a wall inscribed with the names of the victims of the attacks.An adjacent Memorial Museum will contain preserved artifacts from the attacks as well as portions of the original slurry wall. It will also convey the events of the day and the worldwide outpouring of support in the rescue and recovery efforts.
Restore: Five commercial towers of different heights are planned to encircle the memorial setting in a descending spiral.
Recognizing the heroes of September 11, 2001
FDNY Engine No.23 Memorial
Flags of Honour in Lower Manhattan's Battery Park
Tribute in Light - shining from dusk til dawn, serving as a symbol of hope
1 comment:
hmmm, a taste of confetti today....just to tease you for New Year's Eve! lucky, lucky bum....a very deserving lucky, lucky bum!! :o)
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