I had an opportunity to attend a luncheon at the Sky Club atop the MetLife Building on Park Avenue at Grand Central Station a few years ago. The view, as you can see from this photo was spectacular even on an overcast day.Looking south to downtown, the Empire State Building was off to the right, and conspicuously absent at the southern tip of Manhattan were the Towers. One couldn't help but to reflect, remember, and contemplate.
These pillars standing at the entrance of America with the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the city, and beyond all of that a nation of opportunity, were a symbol of greatness and power available to all. As a symbol, they became a target and six years ago today they were downed in a terrorist act that was and remains beyond comprehension.
Each year on the anniversary of the attacks on our country there is remembrance and reflection. There is also a growing conversation regarding what this day is and should mean. For me, I think it is to be a day to reflect and appreciate as well as to remember. We should remember all those who lost their life, be they victims or heroes, in New York, Pennsylvania or Virginia. It should also be a time to remember the outpouring of support and giving that people gave to one another regardless of race, religion, or background, for there was much good that followed this atrocious act.
Most of all, for me it is a time to remember to appreciate life. I try to appreciate what I have each and every day, but on this day that brought such loss so too was there a renewal or refocus on the appreciation and preciousness of life. People everywhere questioned what mattered to them, what was important, really important? For me there was a simple answer - life.
None supported the appreciation of life more than Pope John Paul II and his Papal response following the attacks is worth revisiting (read it here) as he spoke to how faith aids us when words fail. His words are poignant and strong including these with which I'll close:
"Let us beg the Lord that the spiral of hatred and violence will not prevail. May the Blessed Virgin, Mother of Mercy, fill the hearts of all with wise thoughts and peaceful intentions."
To read more about the conversation regarding what 9/11 means, visit the New York Times' 9/11 Anniversary and Collective Memory page (view it here).
1 comment:
Thank you for your tribute. My family moved to Nazareth from New York 18 months ago. My husband was working on the 65th Floor of 2 WTC when the plane hit. Fortunately, he was spared and we were able to have a second chance of life. Today (as is all September 11th's) is a very emotional day for me. We need to remember what's important to us and to live life to the fullest.
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