9/11 Tribute Center

       There are moments in life that you know you are never going to forget - for me 9/11 is one of them. Even though I was only 11 when it happened, I could recite to you the events of that day as clearly as if it happened yesterday. Last week I went on a self-guided audio tour of the a 9/11 Tribute Center at 120 Liberty Street.  Despite its small size, the center packs powerful imagery. It does a great job of honoring the memory of the World Trade Center and the efforts of everyone who gave their lives that day. The audio tour costs $10.00, but is free for children 12 and under. Tourists and natives alike are sure to appreciate the touching memorial. 

       It begins like a museum, artifacts that remained are displayed throughout the halls - a toy here, a shoe there. An American flag and a helmet are displayed in the corner. The every day nature of the objects harbors a sobering message. September 11th, 2001 started out as a normal day in New York City. People  kissed their spouses goodbye, sent their kids to school - I started the sixth grade - and then tragedy struck.

       Gallery 4 is the most moving. The walls are covered with more than 1,200 photographs of those who died. The pictures are tributes donated by the families of the deceased. A plaque holds the name of the 343 fireman who gave their lives that day. 

      The audio tour takes you to where the World Trade Center used to be. Where once two 110 story towers stood, there is nothing.

       But construction fills the area, a sign of hope and the natural progression of NewYork City.