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 Coping
with the 9.11.01 Aftermath
Pictures of New York City: March 9-11, 2002
Tribute in Light Memorial New York City: March
11, 2002 [click on picture to enlarge]
Content:
On the weekend marking the sixth month anniversary of 9.11, we
visited New York City to capture a picture of how the city and its people were
doing after experiencing this major catastrophe. We were amazed at the
resilience of the city's people. There were still funerals being held daily.
Bodies were still being found at Ground Zero. Work was still moving rapidly at
Ground Zero and there was a sense of the city trying to heal from its wounds. To
show respect for its loved lost ones, two memorials were dedicated on March
11th. The first was "The Sphere" which was surrounded by a granite fountain in
the center courtyard of the World Trade center. The Sphere was placed in the
Hope Garden at Battery Park temporarily until the final WTC monument is built at
the site. The second tribute is the twin beams of light "Tribute in Light" which
will shine from March 11 until April 13, 2002.
"We can't do enough," Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said in a
tribute. "We can't say the right things. But let us never forget those that we
have lost. Let us not lose sight of what we have to do again." The city is not
forgetting its lost and yet has its eye on its survivors. The balancing act is
amazing to witness. The city is grieving, healing, memorializing and yet is
vibrant, living, and energizing. It is clear that the old Mayor Rudy Giuliani,
new Mayor Mike Bloomberg, and New York State Governor Pataki have been real role
models of "grace under pressure." Any place where there was a memorial being
held March 11th, you would find these three men.
On March 9th, our visit to Ground Zero was moving and eye opening. It is so
hard to imagine the magnitude of the destruction which occurred on 9.11 when you
are living down in Tampa and limited to looking only at TV, Internet, magazine,
or paper accounts. Getting close up and personal puts the "human face" on this
tragedy. The Ground Zero is hallowed ground. It is clear that hundreds of bodies
will not be recovered and that Ground Zero is their final resting place. The
tedium of the work of raking through the rubble for remains is an incredible
chore. This chore is an act of love which is done with patience, forbearance,
and respect to the remains which are out there. We were stunned by the solemn
mood, attitude, and demeanor which all observers and workers displayed while in
and around Ground Zero. The observation deck is a wonderful beginning of a memorial for these lost victims and for the heroes involved in this
event. Everything which we observed was clearly done to show compassion,
understanding, and dignity for the survivors of these victim-heroes.
Our visit did include a chance to visit the city and those
pictures are available in our Album on this site under:
New York City Visit.
It is our hope and prayer that you look at these pictures to
help you never forget why we are fighting the "War on Terrorism" and keep your
mind and hearts open to "Never Forget" those hero-victims of 9.11.
Our prayers are with all the victims' loved ones and hope that
this tribute will help them realize that people really do care about their
tragic losses.
Jim and Connie Messina
Reactions to Site and Expressions of
Support for New York City
- Thank you for sharing your trip! Your introduction brought me to tears,
knowing that every night I quietly sleep in my bed without always remembering
the events of this tragedy. I have many friends who have traveled to see
Ground Zero, and they too like you were humbled by witnessing the continued
support, love and strength of this city and its people. The many jokes about
"New Yorkers" will continue but the world knows only too well that these
people have the "right stuff." - Cyndi
- Thank you very much for sending this. It touched my heart. I have
forwarded on to family and friends both here and in New York. - Midge
- Doesn't it give you an added dimension to the enormity of it all? -
Marleen - Our response: It was mind-blowing! The immensity of it all
overwhelmed us! We are so grateful to have really seen it for what it was. We
really get it now!
- WOW!...but just an unbelievable collection of
photo's and I'm sure memories. - Amy
- Very good! I can only imagine the amount of emotion you could have had
doing this visit. Thanks for sharing! - Dave
- I have just completed my surrogate trip to NYC with you. What a memorial!!
This must have been a very emotional trip. Thank you for taking the time and
effort to share with so many of us that have been unable to actually be there
in person. This is the next best thing... a phenomenal piece of work! My love
and prayers go out...Gail Our response: This was one additional
way to help people not forget what happened on 9.11 and how many people's
lives were impacted and changed from it.
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