"Framing The Destruction"
This monument was designed with a great deal of symbolism.
A wonderful free pamphlet explains much of it.
The whole thing is like a park and covers the entire expanse of
the building that once stood there. It is the length of a city block
and is flanked by two "gates." The east gate says 9:01 and
according to the pamphlet marks the final moment of the city's
innocence and the west gate says 9:03 the moment after which
their lives were changed forever.
The reflecting pool is "intended to sooth wounds, with calming
sounds (of flowing water) providing a peaceful setting for
calming thoughts."
One definitely feels "hushed" by this tribute to both human
suffering and the city and country's undaunted spirit.
This monument was designed with a great deal of symbolism.
A wonderful free pamphlet explains much of it.
The whole thing is like a park and covers the entire expanse of
the building that once stood there. It is the length of a city block
and is flanked by two "gates." The east gate says 9:01 and
according to the pamphlet marks the final moment of the city's
innocence and the west gate says 9:03 the moment after which
their lives were changed forever.
The reflecting pool is "intended to sooth wounds, with calming
sounds (of flowing water) providing a peaceful setting for
calming thoughts."
One definitely feels "hushed" by this tribute to both human
suffering and the city and country's undaunted spirit.
The Gate of Innocence
The east gate says 9:01- the moment before the blast.
Note the old church, the steeple of which peeks out from
behind the trees. It stands right across the street from the
monument and provides a rather ironic and profound sight
when one considers the destruction that happened in its
shadow.
The east gate says 9:01- the moment before the blast.
Note the old church, the steeple of which peeks out from
behind the trees. It stands right across the street from the
monument and provides a rather ironic and profound sight
when one considers the destruction that happened in its
shadow.
The Moment We Were Changed Forever
The west gate says 9:03 (you can barely
make it out behind, above and to the right of
us - it's actually "stamped out of the wall.)
The west gate says 9:03 (you can barely
make it out behind, above and to the right of
us - it's actually "stamped out of the wall.)
An Odd Photo
When we got home and looked at this photo of our smiling
faces it seemed so ill-fitting given the setting. But then
again, this monument is meant to be a celebration of life as
well as a tribute to it.
When we got home and looked at this photo of our smiling
faces it seemed so ill-fitting given the setting. But then
again, this monument is meant to be a celebration of life as
well as a tribute to it.
The Wall of Remembrance
After the blast, a fence was erected for safety. People
brought tokens to remember loved ones. Over the years,
more than 60,000 things have been left. Pieces of the
fence were saved and line the perimeter of the monument.
The remaining tokens are housed in the adjoining
museum.
After the blast, a fence was erected for safety. People
brought tokens to remember loved ones. Over the years,
more than 60,000 things have been left. Pieces of the
fence were saved and line the perimeter of the monument.
The remaining tokens are housed in the adjoining
museum.
The Chairs That Will Never Be Filled
168 chairs are organized into 9 rows that represent the
floors of the building on which the various victims
perished. There are two sizes: "The smaller size
representing the absence of 19 children," who were lost in
the blast. A name of a victim is etched on the base of each.
168 chairs are organized into 9 rows that represent the
floors of the building on which the various victims
perished. There are two sizes: "The smaller size
representing the absence of 19 children," who were lost in
the blast. A name of a victim is etched on the base of each.
The Survivor Tree
This 90 year old beauty has a wall around it on which is
carved: "The spirit of this city and nation will not be
defeated; our deeply routed faith sustains us.
This 90 year old beauty has a wall around it on which is
carved: "The spirit of this city and nation will not be
defeated; our deeply routed faith sustains us.
Float By Day, Glow By Night
The chairs are made of bronze and stone on
the top and glisten when the sun hits them
just right. Their bases are of glass and are
meant to look like the chairs are floating by
day. At night, they are illuminated from
underneath, and have an eerie, ethereal glow.
The chairs are made of bronze and stone on
the top and glisten when the sun hits them
just right. Their bases are of glass and are
meant to look like the chairs are floating by
day. At night, they are illuminated from
underneath, and have an eerie, ethereal glow.
Journeys
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| August 2005 |
