Blog 2 Resonse to 9/11

I was there. I was standing in front of the memorial made to remember those affected by 9/11. It had been a year after the event occurred, but there were still mourning hearts out there. Pictures filled to memorial with smiles and picturesque moments of those who lost their lives that sad day. People were still crying. People were still hoping for something good to come out of this. People were still anxious to get over this event and move on. It still weighed heavily on the hearts of loved ones. This was not something one could get over any time soon.

Beside the memorial in New York City lies the rubble remains of Ground Zero. The church across the street serves as a memorial as well. This church held injured victims and weary firefighters. A bent piece of metal in the shape of a cross lies in the yard. It was one of the largest pieces of wreckage found in the piles of debris. God is in this place.

The firehouse on the other side of the street has a monument in memory if the many firefighters who lost their lives in order to help those in need. There is such a deep sense of loss in this area. Being one of the most popular attractions in New York, venders have set up their shops along the street. They take advantage of the area as a place of business rather than a place of mourning. They do not respect the area.

People died here. People said their last prayers here. Those who survived are still shaken by the recollection of events that day. The memorial is one of the only things in New York that speaks to those affected as well as those not affected. When I was there, those who did not come to remember loved ones were not allowed in the memorial area. They had it gated off so by-standers could only catch a glimpse of what meant so much to those who come to remember. Mourning was on restricted to those who were immediately affected by 9/11.

We are more open to the mourning process today. It is not restricted anymore. Anyone can come and honor all those nameless faces. Remember all those fathers, mothers, boyfriends, girlfriends, wives, husbands, best friends, family members, and workers. May God continue to bless New York City and help us use this tragic event to become better people.

-Megan Christy