If only we could look ahead Looking back is easy, but looking
ahead can be very difficult and perplexing.
During the recent remembrances of 9-11, repeated over and
over during the days surrounding the anniversary of
the event nine
years ago, tears flowed. By the time the sorrowful repetitions
were over, there were few dry eyes to be found.
We all recalled the horrific images in different ways.
Most of us saw the terrifying scenes as planes crashed
into the towers, the wreckage of United flight 93 as well
as the
carnage at the Pentagon. Memories flooded back and were bone
chilling as we remembered the unbelievable sight of the Twin
Towers collapsing. The images had been posted on the internet
for weeks this year prior to the TV broadcast on 9-11.
Just
two months after the towers came down, my wife and I crossed
the Hudson into New York City. It was eerie to
see
smoke still
floating over the crash site and realize after two months,
ashes were still smoldering. The following year we visited
Ground Zero with two of our grandchildren. I was amazed
to see the small fire house that stood next to the towers
still
standing. I took the kids into the station and chatted
with the captain. He and I both had tears in our eyes
as we reminisced.
My four-year-old grandson asked me later, “Grandpa, why
were you crying?” All I could tell him was because
I was very sad.
After visiting the fire station, we walked around Ground
Zero and saw others with the same sadness reflecting on their
faces.
Heavy equipment was still digging, loading and hauling debris
from the giant hole that remained. Fences around the perimeter
had pictures and poems posted on them, remembrances of the
people who had perished. Bouquets of flowers were strewn
all around the site.
The
next year, when we stopped in New York, we cruised on a tour
boat around Manhattan. It reverently stopped
its engines
as we got to the location where the towers had been
viewed from the river and we all looked at the empty
space where
they
had stood. More tears flowed. As removal of debris
at the site continued, a “Tribute in Light,” two
parallel, vertical beams of light were put in place
to illuminate
the spot where the towers stood. Members of space
flights reported
how brightly those beams could be viewed from space.
Meetings were held and much discussion and planning took
place which continued for years regarding what might replace
the
towers and what type of memorial should be placed. Early
in the search it was decided to have a contest and ask architects
to build small models to represent their design so they could
all be put on display together.
In December, 2002 at the Winter Garden of the World Financial
Center along the Hudson, seven designs were presented for
the pubic to view. When we visited there, my wife and I strolled
among the architects renderings wondering which would be
chosen.
The first phase, the World Trade Center Site Memorial, is
scheduled to open September 11, 2011 with other phases still
in construction
to follow. I hope to be able to visit New York to see the
completed project.
Each year since 9-11 we all remember and reflect as our tears
flow. Hopefully, ever so slowly the healing has begun.
Because mine is an opinion column I feel I can mention my
feelings regarding the controversy surrounding a possible
mosque being
built so close to where the twin towers stood.
I
have given the subject much thought and cannot think of a
resolution. Those that
wonder why
negative feelings
are
so
strong must fail to recall the attack on
the Cole, the horror of the towers crashing
down,
the shoe
bomber and
the young
man who just recently tried to bring down
an airliner over Detroit with explosives
in his
underwear.
I’m
sure there are many less documented events
we are not even made
aware
of.
As
I see it, opposing the location of the mosque does not reflect
opposition to Muslims.
It
comes from a
belief that
those who
hide behind their faith or allegiance
while doing great harm to our country are determined
to continue.
Strong
feelings
are evoked when loved ones are put in
harm’s
way.
Didn’t
our countrymen react the same way after Pearl Harbor?