I did not lose anyone close to me twenty-four years ago. Our national nightmare touched me when I learned a day or two after of the death of the father of one of my daughter's sixth grade classmates.
It happened that I was in the middle of teaching a multi-week class on leadership at Northern State Prison in nearby Newark, N.J. that same week. From the windows of my classroom, even from that distance, dust from the debris was still visible, hovering in the air.
For months leading up to this date next year, I suspect we'll all be inundated with reminders about the 25th anniversary. I'm certain most Americans - least of all those who lost someone close to them - do not need the hoopla attached to "big" anniversaries as a reminder to honor those who were taken on this date. And though I don't often think of the father of my daughter's classmate, this moment my thoughts are with his surviving family. I hope they've found a way to continue to heal.
The memorial at Mount Mitchell Park in Monmouth County is a beautiful, thoughtful, and peaceful place to sit quietly. If anyone goes, be sure to take the small path from the parking lot to the memorial as it is simple and emotional o a dignified manner.
ReplyDeleteWell said Pat. That day is enshrined in my memory. It’s kind of a standalone. Still get that feeling every once in awhile when it’s a beautiful cloudless September day. Like today.
DeleteAnonymous; Thanks for the comment about Mount Mitchell Park, a place I have visited. It's a fitting tribute and, as you said, a good place to quietly honor those we lost on 9/11. (Regina: Thanks also for your supportive comment. Was unable to respond directly to you because you inadvertently used the "reply" tab under the anonymous comment, a common error people make.)
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