By: Kami Watkins
While looking back over the past ten years of how our world has changed I had to pause and reflect on what has transpired since September 11th, 2001. I remember that day, as many do, like it was yesterday. It was as if time had stopped for those moments of tragedy, when all of the world shook at the loss and devastation that was here in America.
Most of us can recall where we were that day, ten years ago. For days and weeks we watched and waited and wondered if any survivors would be found. I remember to my sadness when they stopped hearing sounds of life. It then became a recovery effort. With dedication and compassion workers would spend numerous years clearing the area. Not realizing then, the lasting affects it would have on their health. Service with sacrifice, a common theme among those with that unyielding American spirit.
As a lasting remembrance of both the 1993 and 2001 terrorist attacks, the touching memorial, “Reflecting Absence,” designed by architect Michael Arad from New York, was erected in the space where the two towers stood. The 16 acre site is a living memorial to that day as former Governor George Pataki states, “This memorial will be a special place to remember the thousands of lives cut short and recall the spirit and love of freedom which prevailed. Future generations will be able to reflect upon the enormous loss and understand our pledge to never forget the heroes from the tragic events”(1).
The Memorial Plaza is adorned with living tributes. Chosen for its longevity and resilience the Swamp White Oak tree lives on average 300+ years. Many of the trees were chosen within 500 miles of the WTC, while some were also collected from other places that were impacted by the attacks, like Pennsylvania. One of the areas within the Plaza is the Memorial Glade used for gatherings which has a special place reserved for the Callery Tree, one of the trees that made it through the 911 attacks.
The main focal point in the memorial park are the two waterfalls, “Reflecting Absence.” Each represent the void left by the Twin Towers- the void in the earth, in our hearts and in our country-of each citizen lost in these attacks. What better way to fill that void than by using life sustaining water -the source of renewal- a sanctifying symbol of life. The continuous flow of water pouring into the hallowed spaces, likewise fills my heart. Each person’s name has not only been etched in the sides of the waterfalls, but their memory has been etched in our hearts like a sweet melody. A melody composed of two towers…that of love, and life.
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