COLUMN: New York City, eight months later
Standing at Ground Zero was a very humbling and somber moment, one I do not wish to ever relive in my life.
Thursday morning, I decided to take a trip to New York for our very short Spring Break. I was excited to see the city and maybe take in a Broadway show or two. I was thrilled when I got tickets to see “The Full Monty” and “Chicago,” and I couldn’t wait to see Times Square again.
As I made the plans, I realized I would have a great opportunity to see the city as it now stands after the horrific events of Sept. 11. I was not prepared for the emotions that would hit as I stood on the streets of the Big Apple.
True the city is in a state of regrowth and recovery, but the attitudes of people have surprised me more than anything I could have seen. They have come together to rebuild their city.
I stood on the street where the Trade Center towers once stood and I was moved to tears as I looked at the now empty skyline. I had seen the pictures, the news reports and the magazines, but they never seemed real.
Just three years ago I had stood in the same part of town and marveled at the towers. I have endless pictures of my friends and I standing on a ferry headed to the Statue of Liberty with the twin towers behind us.
It was eerie to stand on some of the exact locations and look where the towers should have been and realize they were gone.
I was amazed at the number of people who were trying to get a glimpse of Ground Zero. Some seemed shocked, others calloused, many reflective and moved.
One flag still flies at half mast and flags adorn many of the surrounding buildings. Signs of support still adorn buildings in the finical district.
Standing across the street from the complex curious tourists were greeted by police officers on duty who kept them from crossing too close to the site.
Clean up crews now work on the underground parking levels of the building, with all of the other rubble already removed.
I was moved by the support the city has received from tourists and celebrities, many making pleas for Americans and people from around the world to return and visit the city- a city that defines what America is.
A great debate rages as to if the building should be rebuilt or if a memorial should be erected in the space. I personally feel both should replace the towers. Let us rebuild and show we can rise above this one act of terrorism.
It was sobering to realize what we have faced, yet exhilarating to know we have survived and will continue to rebuild.
I will never forget the morning in September any more than I will my visit to New York this weekend.
Our country is strong and so are our people. God bless America.
Justin Berry is a features editor for the Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to justinsb26@yahoo.com