The beginning of September used to mean the last holiday weekend of summer, back to school, the beginning of fall, and the kickoff off the football season. It’s still means all those things, but there is also the shadow of the day that changed everything. That bright, blue sky Tuesday morning was shattered by the unthinkable terror of crashes, explosions, fire, death, and mountains of smoldering rubble that are still killing firefighters and police officers today. It shocked us like no other event in our history. We were vulnerable. How could this happen? How could we not stop it before the plot got off the ground? It made us afraid.
My wife and I visited the 9/11 Memorial this summer for the first time. It can be overwhelming, and stir mixed emotions. In the shadow of the Freedom Tower, which replaced the twin towers, is the 16 acre memorial dominated by the falling waters in the pools that sit in the footprint of those lost towers. The sound of the water endlessly flowing reminds you of a fountain of life in a place where there was so much death. It was packed with tourists, and school groups the day we were there. While people were respectful, it made you think, maybe people shouldn’t be strolling, taking pictures, and even talking on this ground. Should this area be blocked off and preserved to honor those who died here and those who tried to save them? But, upon reflection it shows that we will not let the terrorists take this place away from us. People should be able to come here pay tribute, and maybe even say a prayer.
We took the guided tour around the memorial. The guide explained the timeline of the attacks, and told stories of the some of the heroes. Around the rim of the falling water pools, I had noticed before the tour that there was a white rose stuck in one of the thousands of names of the those who died. I assumed it was placed there by a visiting family member. The guide told us the staff at the memorial keeps track of every victim’s birthday, and they place a white rose on the name. The guide also told us to touch the medal frame around the pools where the names were inscribed. It was cool. It was a 90 degree day. The guide told us it’s keep cool in the summer, and warm in winter so people can touch the names. We went through the museum and saw artifacts of the day, including the crushed fire engine. We stopped at the 235 year old St. Paul’s Chapel in the shadow of the towers that survived the attack. It became a resting place for firefighters and rescue workers for months following the attack.
That day did unite us in many ways. Ordinary people, firefighters, police officers, first responders gave their lives to save others, the rebuilding and preservation of the shattered site, and the tracking down of those responsible. It also led us into a disastrous war that we are still fighting. It widened our political divide. It stoked fear in those who see all foreigners as a threat to our country. Children born in September, 2001 are turning 18 on this anniversary. They’ve grown up in a very different America than previous generations. It will be up to them to determine what kind of country we will be, and who can share in the dream. Let’s hope on this anniversary they can look forward to a new September sky.
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