Remembering September 11th, 2001 shouldn't be an issue anywhere. Acts of terrorism should not be condoned, they should be condemned, and the families, friends and relatives of those who perished should know that there are people out there working to preserve this memory, working hard so that we don't forget those who perished and the circumstances of their deaths so that we learn from the atrocities that cause these deaths. To remember 9/11 is to evoke memories of all those men and women who went to work on a clear, seemingly innocent fall day, never to return to see their families again, or even to see their children grow up.
In the same way we pay homage on Memorial Day and Veterans Day to those who died in service to their country, we should pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives, needlessly, as they went to work, minding their own business, in a war declared on Americans that we did not ask for or want. Every time a memorial ceremony is viewed and the names of those lost are spoken, the memories kick in for those left behind, and the scars and heartache are once again inflamed. There are those in this country who did not suffer the loss of a loved one, and once they moved past the freshness of the event, lost their sensitivity to the victims of 9/11. What needs to be reminded to many nine years later, is that where there is unity, there is strength.
2,750 death certificates were filed as a result of the horrendous attacks carried out on 9/11. New York City's history of over 350 years as a monument to free trade, productivity, and acceptance of immigration merits consideration for the metropolis as one of the world's most spectacular cities. Noted for its material prosperity, job seekers from across the globe migrate to the city to find the American Dream, to find freedom and prosperity. It is the commercial center of the United States, perhaps the world, and the heart of American advertising, fashion, publishing, and media. New York is clearly not one of the natural wonders of the world, but it is perhaps the man made wonder of the world. Millions visit the city each year to see what humans, not nature, can achieve.
A perfect example of this was the creation of the World Trade Center complex. Plans for constructing the WTC were unveiled by chief architect Minoru Yamasaki in 1964, proposing that nearly 15 million square feet of construction were to be distributed among seven buildings. Groundbreaking for the construction of the WTC took place on August 5, 1966.The construction of the twin towers, 1368 and 1362 feet, 110 stories high, were at the time the tallest skyscrapers in the world. Upon completion, the total cost to the Port Authority was approximately $900 million. The World Trade Center complex, including the Twin Towers and four other buildings, were officially opened on April 4, 1973.The Twin Towers, situated in lower Manhattan's business sector, was home to nearly 50,000 employees, attracting more or less 20,000 visitors a day. It offered a stunning view of perhaps the world's busiest city until that catastrophic day on September 11, 2001 when terrifying pillars of black and silver and smoke obscured the city’s character. 2,750 people including 343 of New York City's brave emergency workers perished.
It was a clear, sunny morning when the sky was suddenly engulfed by a sinister darkness caused by the ominous columns of fire and heated gas filling the sky over lower Manhattan. Horrified spectators watched in disbelief as two hijacked commercial airliners crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. The swift crashes exploded into colossal fireballs releasing large amounts of blazing jet fuel, engulfing both towers in a fiery inferno, killing all aboard as well as many innocent workers and visitors inside the towers. The fire raged uncontrolled throughout the skyscraper's maze of hallways and stairwells. Terrified and trapped by fire and smoke, at least 200 people jumped to a violent death rather than be burned to death. Within two hours, from the intense heat causing extensive weakness in the structure, both towers collapsed, crushing floors and victims, throwing mighty clouds of debris considerable distances.
September 11, 2001 is an unforgettable day in the history of the United States, and will be forever etched in the heart and memory of patriotic Americans. It was the day that Three hundred and Forty three members of New York City's Fire Department perished in their attempt to rescue those trapped in the devastating flames of the World Trade Center in Manhattan. These brave firefighters risked their own personal safety as they advanced toward the burning buildings, rushing up stairwells filled with smoke and jet fuel, with no regard for their own safety. The number of fallen firefighters was staggering. Entire companies were destroyed. These were humans of all educational levels and ethnic backgrounds, many with families, dedicated to their intense love of saving lives. The pain, the suffering, the anxiety, and the cries of anguish of those they left behind was and is inconsolable. The emotional disturbance of those left behind was overwhelming as rescuers desperately sifted through the horrifying twisted wreckage of steel and cement. September 11th was a horrific tragedy that initiated countless acts of kindness and unity out of concern and anguish for all those affected by the attacks on the twin towers. It was a tragedy of historic proportions that prompted the response of 343 heroic fire-fighters who gave their lives so that others might live. Although nine years have since passed, for many the vivid memories are still fresh wounds. By remembering, perhaps Americans who have forgotten the freshness of this attack can help soothe the wounds of those still in mourning because of this tragedy. And perhaps they can remember how they felt that crisp clear morning that was forever ruined by a horrendous act of unprovoked violence, so that America itself will never forget why those 343 heroic firefighters aren't here today.
May these brave fallen heroes of 9/11 be forever remembered in our hearts.
Fallen Firefighters: New York City's Finest
May these innocent victims be forever in our prayers
List of victims who perished by name
September 11, 2001 is a day that will always be remembered around the world, as countries share with America the misfortune of this horrendous tragedy that took thousands of innocent lives. Numerous permanent memorials initiated throughout the world still document universal sensitivity to the American people by declaring their unwillingness to condone these repulsive acts of violence. These memorials are a tribute to the innocent victims and heroes of 9/11. Since September 11, 2001, the City of Brusciano has shared their sentiments with America, presenting a floral bouquet with silent prayers at "Piazza XI Settembre “ in memory of the victims and in honor of bringing peace in the world. The historybox.com has dedicated a specific page to Brusciano, Italy, several images of 9/11 and a short story by Miriam Medina "September 11, 2001 is a Day to be Remembered," with links to the names of those who perished in memory and in concordance with the 9th anniversary of this devastating, world changing tragedy. This page can be accessed at: (http://thehistorybox.com/ny_city/brusciano_italy_remembers_victims_9-11_nycity.htm).
MIRIAM MEDINA
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