It is a tribute in pictures to the events and heroes of 9-11-01. A friend also brought it to my attention this past September 11.
A most moving presentation, I must say, albeit very graphic at certain times, so please keep this in mind. I'm not sure why the direct link does not work, but I found it by going to the home page of this website:
http://www.thincgrafx.com After you do, go to the "About Us" link at the bottom of the page, where you will see a link to "9-11 Tribute." It is well worth the time to view this inspiring photo story.
For all of us Americans and New Yorkers in particular, it has been a life-changing event. While I believe that every person of good-will was moved by that day, it is nevertheless true that watching accounts on television or reading articles/viewing pictures in the press cannot begin to convey the extent of the devastation as well as the renewal of the human community resulting from it, that an actual visit to the site in those first weeks was able to impress on a person.
Having had the privilege to spend over two weeks ministering at "Ground 0" in the days immediately following the tragedy, I can say with surety that
"we will never forget" the great loss of that day as well as the heroism, bravery, solidarity and faith that emanated from it. In short, it represented a resurrection of the human spirit that needs to be continually nurtured and expanded upon.
Not to do so, not to build upon what God gave us, would be a severe injustice to those who made the ultimate sacrifice on that September morning and a lack of faithfulness to God, who gave us the strength and the grace to bring goodness forth from that
"pit of destruction" on the banks of the majestic Hudson River in the City that most reflects the diversity as well as the unity of the human race. In a universal sense, we were given a "second chance" that day, to prove that we have the ability to be people who truly go beyond ourselves, to reflect and act upon God's life-giving Word.
Our nation possessed an atmosphere then, unlike any other in our memories, which demonstrates that God can indeed work through tragedy to move His people to conversion and a realization of their true nature as people created for good.
Still however, another aspect of human nature is that memories do often fade as time goes on. Therefore, as Dan suggests, it is important to continually remind each other
not to forget either the great loss of that day nor the positive, unitive spirit that resulted from it. We can and must build upon that spirit, for a renewal in our nation as a whole and even in our parishes in particular.
God bless you all,
Fr. Joe
