9/11 – Twelve Years Later
It’s that time of the year again and one’s mind turns to a day twelve years ago, to that clear blue sky and quiet morning which exploded into the horror of 9/11.
On this day, I always have this surreal sense of foreboding, of calm before the storm but life goes on and people are moving on.
Seems strange but yes, it is Fashion Week in New York and the city is full of beautiful people, designers, models and media. Art events are happening and the city is teeming with tourists. Working, dreaming, creating and deal-making, frenetic New Yorkers move on. Yet they do not forget, as the scores of memorial services around the city emphasize.
I myself am headed out to New Jersey for the memorial of a dear family friend, Rajesh Mirpuri, who lost his life as the burning towers collapsed around him. Every year for the past decade, hundreds of friends and family have gathered around his grieving parents at the Sadhu Vaswani Center, finding solace and strength in prayer. Rajesh’s school friends and friends from work have shared their memories of him. There is spiritual chanting and devotional songs and the music of the tabla and harmonium. Later there are tears and hugs, and warm handclasps and embraces. Finally the gathered share a blessed meal together and a sense of peace.
Related Articles:
Remembering 9/11 in Images
911 Peace Story Quilt
911 Remembered – Rajesh Mirpuri
9/11 and Cordoba House
This September 11: Honor, Remember, Reunite
“May the lives remembered, the deeds recognized, and the spirit reawakened be eternal beacons, which reaffirm respect for life, strengthen our resolve to preserve freedom, and inspire an end to hatred, ignorance and intolerance.”
These words are part of the mission statement of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center in New York City. As the nation and world mark the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we share the sentiments of the 9/11 Memorial and calls upon readers to make Sept. 11, 2012 a day of commemoration.
Take a moment to remember and honor the thousands of innocent men, women, and children murdered by terrorists in the horrific attacks of February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001. Thank your local first responders for their dedication to protecting your community. Remember the many Americans who have served and are currently serving in our nation’s military—many of whom enlisted as a response to the 9/11 attacks.
Let us come together this 9/11 to honor, remember and reunite. For more information from the National September 11 Memorial Museum, • Visit the 9/11 Memorial
Some wonderful Web Resources
• Artists Registry
• Make History
• Webcasts: Exploring 9/11
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial
• Memorial Visitor Commemorative Guide
• Signs of Support Ambassador Program
