I remember where I was when I first heard that America had been attacked on 9/11/2001. I drove away from my daughter's high school after dropping her off, switched on the radio in my car, and then pulled over to the curb in shock as I heard what was happening.
I called in to the employee emergency line to find out if we State workers were supposed to report or stay home and was told that we would not be working today. I pretty much parked myself in front of the television for the rest of the day watching the news coverage.
I pledged to myself that day and for months and years afterward that I would never forget.
And I haven't. And I won't.
And I haven't. And I won't.
I have frequently gone to the 9/11 Memorial at Cal Expo and wanted to do so again this year. I had read that there would be a collection of newspapers from 9/11-12/2001 from around the United States and even the world and thought it would be fascinating to...renew, for lack of a better term coming to mind...my memories and feelings from that day.
But first, a tour of the memorial...
When you first walk up the ramp into the raised memorial, there are separate memorials to the Pentagon and Flight 93 on the right and left with a replica of the Twin Towers straight ahead.
I stopped at the Pentagon first.
I stopped at the Pentagon first.
These beams are the main attraction of the memorial. They are actual beams from the World Trade Center that were eventually brought to Sacramento for the memorial. The beam on the left was obviously twisted and damaged in the attack.
Another new enhancement to the memorial this year are several carved, wooden benches designed and made by groups of high-school students with 9/11 remembrance as a theme.
Very creative and well-done.
Very creative and well-done.
I couldn't see a description for the bench below.
The design is pretty self-explanatory but I would have liked to know who made it.
The design is pretty self-explanatory but I would have liked to know who made it.
Next I stepped into the hall with the newspaper collection. This collection belongs to Napa Valley resident Michael Perry. He has spent an estimated $100,000 collecting the papers from various sources...some bought himself right after 9/11 and others purchased on Ebay and other sites.
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| Photo courtesy of the Napa Valley Register |
It was gratifying to hear parents of younger children, obviously born after the horrific event, show the different newspapers and explain what happened and how it felt to experience it. Many people, myself included, thanked Mr. Perry for bringing his collection to share with others.
It was not only America that was stunned by the tragedy; newspapers from across the world shared the brutal pictures and shocked headlines.
This table was all foreign papers.
Back out on the plaza...
Etched into the beams were messages to the fallen.
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| God Bless the USA |
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| Love & We Will Never Forget |
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| RIP We Miss You |
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| We Will Miss You God Bless Danielle |
These photos are of the Flight 93 memorial up close.
This is a large ball with the names of all those killed at all three attack sites.
It rests and revolves on a bed of water.
It rests and revolves on a bed of water.
Before leaving the memorial to head for work, I revisited the beam and said a little prayer. I'm thankful for this country; even though it is far from perfect, it is a country based on freedom that at least attempts to help others in the world. I don't always agree with our politicians, our foreign policy, etc. But I am grateful for the blessings my family has here.
And I prayed for those lost in terror attacks around the globe and for first responders who are often also first in the line of fire.
Someday, I hope this world is not such a messed up place.
xoxo
