Posted on 12/31/2001 1:44:43 AM PST by JohnHuang2
You may be interested in my impression of "Ground Zero" ... we braved the traffic and took a cab. (A long circuitous route downtown took over an hour and a tangential political/religious discussion with the Pakistani driver ensued.) Twenty dollars later, we were let out as near to the site as one could drive. Things are still blocked off and you can get maybe 3 blocks from the demolition activities.The first thing that hits you is the acrid smell in the air and much to our surprise, it is still smoldering. Huge cranes and earth movers are still removing the debris which looks like about two stories high.
Thousands and thousands of people of all nationalities were milling around and most were openly weeping. I fought the tears, but they came when I saw a picture tacked up of a 30ish man holding a child. Under the picture was written "MISSING: 93rd FLOOR. BUILDING 1" and his name. That blew me away. The physical devastation is so great but the human loss in incomprehensible.
We wrote a message (as everyone was) on some plywood walls surrounding the site, cordoned off by National Guard troops and NYPD officers. We walked a few blocks to Central Row, outside City Hall and the biggest display of memorials surrounding St. Mark's Chapel. It was being viewed by more thousands of people. The saddest thing I have ever seen. Touching every heartstring.
While I have been to The Wall, Arlington for a few Full Military Burials, Iwo Jima Memorial, Gettysburg, Antetim, etc., I've never experienced anything like this holy ground. Everyone's Patriotism was evident, as well as a sorrow that overwhelms. I'll not forget it in a long, long time.
We decided to take the subway back uptown and as we cut across the island to head north, Rudy Guliani was just leaving City Hall with a NYPD police escort. Talking to some of the NYPD while waiting, we were left with the distinct impression that they will miss him greatly. It was fun to cheer him on. Truly a great mayor for the City. Our timing could not have been better. A big treat for us.
2Trievers, thank you so much for sharing this vivid and eloquent account of your visit to Ground Zero.
That was my reaction, too.
2T, Just curious, what day were you there?
Maybe that came close.
You're very welcome. And thanks for sharing your thoughts.
The cab ride wasn't anyone's fault ... it was a Friday and everyone was making an early bolt toward the Holland Tunnel and you know how that goes!
Lots of Stars and Stripes everywhere! Vendors too! Even several of the trees Uptown that are usually wrapped in white lights for the holiday were with a red, white and blue theme. Also, several of the "famous" Fifth Avenue windows carried the same color scheme.
By the time you get here, things will be different ... but you seem to usher in new tides anyway.
Red, White and Blue hugs
2T
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