In June 2007 I took my very first trip to NYC. It was only for a day (as was my 2nd trip) but seeing the site of the World Trade Center remained tops on my list of 'Things to See', and I'm so glad I did.The site itself, and the gash left in the city is impressive and memorable. I only wish I had been able to see the Twin Towers before 9-11-01. It must have truly been a dizzying sight!
Below is the viewing platform to look out over the work being done. When we went back this past April it really didn't look much different. Sure, more work had been completed but overall it still had an empty feeling. The grate you are made to look through doesn't help. Why they couldn't have come up with something a little more 'viewer' friendly I don't know. My guess is that they were worried visitors would be throwing memento's, flowers, etc. into the work area below. Many articles had been stuffed into the grating and left behind for those who lost their lives.
The memorial below is made of solid copper and placed along a wall just behind the viewing platform. All the names of the victims are etched along the bottom. It was difficult to take any good pictures because of scaffolding set up in front of the memorial.
A Fire Station sits adjacent to the WTC site. I believe the memorial plaques above are attached to the brick wall of the station, though I can't say I remember for sure. I thought I had a picture of the Fire Station itself but I couldn't find it. The old brick station looks oddly misplaced as everything surrounding it is quite modern. The guys working there seemed very used to being photographed by tourists like myself.
If you look closely at the side of the truck, names of the Fire Fighters lost on
9-11 are painted on the door.
My husband loved the Financial District of NYC! I think he was very envious of how many of the men were dressed, wishing he could wear Armani, or whatever it is they wear on a daily basis. Yes, he has far more fashion sense than me though he seldom has the chance to show it off anymore. To this day Brent's background picture on his phone is this very photo. If you've never been to NYC and have the chance to go, make sure to see both of these places. Just the enormity of the flag below is incredible!
May you take a moment today to reflect of the events of September 11, 2001.
