Sharing these pictures from an opportunity I got. Most people go to NYC for the lights, sounds and the experience, for me visiting this memorial was the top on my list of things to do in my 24 hrs in New York City. There are very few words that I can use to describe this place, since you have to be there to believe, experience the surreal atmosphere. Incidentally since it was the 4th of July, it was an awe inspiring sight to see the number of people that had come to remember loved ones. I can solemnly say that no place has evoked such a flood of emotions since my visit to Jallianwala Bagh, which is another place that has an indelible mark in history of the dark things mankind is capable of. First let the pictures do some of the talking - (I was honestly so taken in by the place, that I didn't really get a chance to capture anything more than these few pictures) The Tree that survived it all. This was replanted after it was carefully tended to at a nursery outside NYC. And the new One World Trade Center rising like a Phoenix The two pools mark the foundation of where the two towers stood. The underground museum/memorial was unfortunately closed by the time we reached the place. Notwithstanding, I am going to return for sure, since my trip is incomplete without seeing everything. It was such an emotional experience, comprehending the horrors that unfolded here 16 years ago. The energy of the place was as much as of desolation, as much of hope and looking forward. Some peeves, a Chap was standing with his bum against the brass plaques that have the names of all the people that were lost on that fateful day. I mean, there were so many benches and stones to sit, but such disrespect. I didn't realize what got into me, but I walked up to him and ticked him off in front of his family "This is a place of respect, be mindful. You can sit somewhere else". I mean I'm not even from this country, I wasn't even here when this happened, but such respect and consideration should be mutual. All I could think of was that evening at home, when I had just returned and received a phone call to switch on the news and see what is happening in the US. An incident that changed not only this country, but the rest of the world, forever. On this solemn day (Sept 11th 2017), I take this moment to not only remember the ones that were lost, but also the brave souls that were lost, saving them. Kudos to such courage and compassion.
