October 4th ~ 9/11 Memorial
The local neighborhood near our hotel
I was sound asleep when the phone rang. Hearing my Mother-in-Law’s voice on the end of the line brought me to a quick focus. “Turn on your TV” she instructed. An airplane had just struck the World Trade Center in New York City.
I’m betting that most of you can remember exactly where you were and what you were doing on September 11th, 2001.
We spent the better part of that day glued to our television as another airplane slammed into the second tower, the third hijacked plane flew into the Pentagon and the fourth and final plane was crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.
Visiting the memorial site was the number one thing on my list of things to do while in New York City.
Inside the Oculus
Taking the subway just around the corner from our hotel brought us right to the doorstep. Exiting through the Oculus was an experience all by itself. This shiny new winged structure is both a transportation hub and a high-end shopping complex.
Looking out from inside the Oculus
Outside of Oculus
The 9/11 Memorial site can not help but bring up strong emotions. We had the opportunity to speak with a volunteer as we overlooked the water flowing into the pool. He had been in upper Manhattan when the first plane struck. He lost five friends that day. It was at that point that I started to tear up and could no longer speak. I tapped my hand over my heart at the only gesture I could make.
Joanne and Tim at one of the memorial pools
Names of the deceased are all engraved around the edge of the pools
One World Trade Center aka Freedom Tower looms over the pools.
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- Freedom Tower
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- Freedom Tower above the memorial pool
The museum next door is so well done. There is a historical section which documents before, during and after 9/11 as well as a memorial exhibition.
Original flag that was hung on 9/11 at the site
Slurry wall and the last column
Be sure to allow extra time. They say that the average visit is two hours. We were inside for four hours and I would probably have spent longer had they not closed the place.
There is an auditorium upstairs where we watched two excellent films. My favorite was called Facing Crisis: America Under Attack which features Condoleezza Rice, Mayor Giuliani and then President George Bush talking about that day and how events unfolded from their perspective.
Twisted metal remains
Radio and TV antenna from top of the North Tower
When we exited the building, it was well after dark so we got to see the memorial all lit up. Both day and night views are memorable.
Memorial Site at night
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that we had plenty of time to truly experience both the memorial and museum. They are worthy of your full, unhurried attention to give the site, the history and the victims their due respect.
A Note From Abroad 
I can only imagine the emotions upon visiting there. Good account and photos.
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Mike, it was emotional, but also encouraging to witness the recovery and rebirth.
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I was just retired, first time, and so was home and able to see and hear everything on 9/11. I was obsessed and depressed. I then got myself into trouble with a dot.com that became a disaster. The reason I am not out doing what you are doing. I blame it on my depression, which I soon got over and went back to work. I am retired now, again! Or rather I just quit working. So I cannot afford world travelling, just some trips in the northwest I love, so we travel with you, and enjoy it very much. I just saw more of the memorial than I have seen before, teared up with you as you spoke about it, and am glad you allow us to journey with you! You do a tremendous job of bringing your travels to life for us! Thank you!
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John, your comments moved me. Thank you for sharing more of your story. We realize how fortunate we are to be able to travel so often. We feel honored to be able to share our journey with others.
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Reblogged this on KCJones.
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Penny, thank you for sharing.
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I had a similar experience visiting the Flight 93 memorial in Pennsylvania which I blogged about here: https://tumbleweedstumbling.wordpress.com/2015/11/06/flight-93-national-memorial/
I ended up crying at one point but it was a good cry and a long overdue one. Thank you for sharing. I hate big cities and I can’t imagine ever going to New York on purpose. I appreciate the glimpse.
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I’m so glad you shared your experience from that memorial. It helped round out the story.
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Thank you both. All so very moving. I was in Spain, where I now live and watched it unfold on the TV set in absolute horror. I wrote the following poem about the tragedy.
THE AFTERMATH OF NINE ELEVEN
Long after eulogies have been said,
guilt, anguish, recriminations have been put to bed –
cherished memories float on battered minds
that lift the spirit and a kind
of healing process then begins.
Dry-eyed – the well is spent –
a funny limerick is found…
a loving note he meant to send.
A breeze-born waft of jasmine
and she is there…
A burnished copper leaf
reminds you of her hair.
A favourite walk, cafe, a tune…
memories held so dear.
You pray that time will not prune
too much and leave the futile fear
that one day the memory of their
earthly presence will all but disappear..
Rest in peace dear people.
Joy Lennick
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Joy, what a wonderful poem and tribute to the day and to the people whose lives were forever changed. That was lovely of you to share it with us. Thank you!
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Glad you liked the poem. Although it’s naturally more heart-warming to write about upbeat things and nature, when we’re moved, the words arrive…
Your wonderful trip is memorable in so many different ways. What a grand tour, eh! Trust you’ll write a book? Carry on traveling… Best wishes. Joy xx
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Joy, I would love to write a book some day. Only time will tell whether or not I actually get to it. Right now I’m having too much fun traveling and simply sharing our journey.
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Great blog post. Clear, concise, great photo’s and subject.
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Thank you Cal, and welcome to our little corner of blogdom.
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There is so much I want to say, and so little I can say. They were still building the memorial when I visited New York but I did spend some time at the little church across that street that amazingly survived the attack. Thank you for sharing these pictures.
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I’m glad you got to visit the little church that survived. We did not get there, but now in hindsight I wish we had.
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Visiting the 9/11 Memorial was at the top of the list of things to do when we visited NYC for the first time in 2014. My kids were 3, 5, 7, and 9 at the time of the attacks, but the older ones remember that day, and all have grown up under the shadow of that event. Very moving experience to visit the museum.
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Sandi, I’m sure that your little ones were way too young to remember or understand the significance of the day. I am glad though that you got to experience NYC together as a family.
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The interesting thing is that our three middle kids were the ones insisting that we go. It was important to them.
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I so much enjoy your travels.
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Thank you so much Mollie. Appreciate your input.
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Thank you very much for sharing. It would be hard to see it without crying. I can’t imagine. My friend at Red Cross, (retired pastor) offered emotional counseling and support for those of 9-11. He was there for 6 months. It was a difficult time and when he returned, as required, had to get counseling himself. I hadn’t known they did that, but it makes sense they would. I’m glad they let you take pictures.
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It had to have taken a toll on those who were giving support to the survivors after 9/11. I’m very glad to know that counseling was available for your friend afterwards.
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Reblogged this on joliesattic.
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Thank you!
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MIssed it when I was in NYC last year, but I also recommend the monument park set up outside of the Pentagon. Much smaller of course but beautifully designed, really a place to remember.
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I hope to be able to visit the monument near the Pentagon some day. I’m sure it is also emotional and moving. Thank you for recommending it.
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We were in Edinburgh Scotland in the castle on that day. Did not hear of the disaster for 3 hours, tremendous shock to us. Visited NYC in 2004 but there was still just a large hole in the ground. It would be great to see what they have built and this museum. Thanks for sharing.
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Terry, seeing the finished monument and the rebirth of the area is in and of itself part of the healing. I’m glad we came.
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Excellent post. Thank you for sharing.
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You are welcome.
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I have not visited this sight since 9/11, but it’s time.
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Lulu, if you saw it after it was all destroyed, a return might help. I know that for us, seeing the area cleaned up, rebuilt and reborn helped us feel like we have and will survive.
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Really great article. Thank you. I cannot imagine how that would feel to be there. That day changed all of our lives forever. It must have been tough to write about your experiences, but you did a wonderful job.
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Thank you Tim. Those who created the memorial did an outstanding job of documenting the events that lead up to the attack, the day itself and the recovery. It is a great tribute to those who perished as well as the first responders.
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I can imagine this would be a very emotional experience. The memorial and museum were not complete the last time we visited NYC , so it’s time to return. One of my good friends worked for the firm that engineered the Oculus—very cool structure. Great post!
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The Oculus is unlike any other building I have been in. But I think that is the whole idea. It reminded me of the Phoenix rising from the ashes. I’m not sure if that was the intent or not, but it worked for me.
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I am friends online with one of the wives of the NYFD names etched there. She’s a pillar of strength….
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There are such amazing stories about those who were lost, as well as those who lived through the nightmare of 9/11. My heart goes out to all those whose families were touched.
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My dil had an uncle at the Pentagon….It was a harrowing day.
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Oh my goodness. Double fronts to be worried about.
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My husband and I are going to NYC next spring. Thanks for this insight!
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I hope it gives you some suggestions of places to see.
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Of course I remember where I was. It’s why I want to visit this museum and pay homage to all that happened.
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I hope that when you visit that you too will find it healing.
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Lovely post, I would like to visit the memorial and feel that it would be very emotional.
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Emotional yes, but healing at the same time by seeing the rebirth from the ashes.
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When I visited New York this was the main reason why. The atmosphere was upsetting in itself, thankyou for blogging this I loved reading it.
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I hope we were able to shed some light on a different perspective of seeing the 9/11 Memorial. Sometimes seeing the Phoenix rise from the ashes can be healing.
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This was beautifully done, Joanne. The photos especially, thank you! I can imagine my reaction at visiting because of your post.
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I just read your article of your visit to the World Trade Center. Living just north of the City – that day is something imbedded in our lives. Working the the Stock Market during that time – there were so many we knew who’s lives were affected. Thought you might like to read my reflections of that day:
https://pjkbaker.wordpress.com/2017/08/09/the-world-trade-center/
https://pjkbaker.wordpress.com/2016/09/11/reflection-a-day-to-remember/
Looking forward to more of your adventures!
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Pamela, I can not even begin to imagine how horrifying that must have been for you. I know that we were terrified and traumatized, even being thousands of miles away.
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