The 16th Anniversary Of 9/11
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
As the wrath of two historic Category 2 hurricanes wreak havoc on our nation this September of 2017, the United States takes a day to commemorate the thousands of individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, a routine day that ended far from what was considered ordinary. On this particular day in history, the U.S. suffered the largest terrorist attack on our soil.
It was sixteen years ago this year that the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center came tumbling down into piles of rubble, and, in doing so, changed so many traits, characteristics and strategies of America and its people. On September 11, 2017, we remember the bravery and heroism of our first responders who would stop at nothing to save others, while citizens just like you and me started the day like any other workday. Fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins made that final call to loved ones after planes ran right into the towers, knowing that their fate was in the hands of God. One last “I love you” would last forever in the hearts of those that cherish their memory to this day. Not only did New York City fall prey to this attack, but the Pentagon as well, taking more lives before the day was done. Passengers on a number of planes lost their lives, some selflessly trying to take out the terrorists who were then in control.
In the days, weeks, months and years to come, it was evident that kindness and unity began to surface and proud citizens of the United States became more spiritual, supportive and sympathetic, all the while trying to eradicate evil. Strength became more than just a word.
Fast forward to September 11, 2011 and on the very same spot where the World Trade Center towers had served as a beacon of light to New York City, a National Memorial and Museum was born out of the rubble. It is known as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and now attracts visitors from all over the world. The memorial commemorates all the victims who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Surrounding this magnificent skyscraper is a serene and spiritual park where you can pay your respects and honor those who lost their lives. The park houses white oak trees and right in the footprints of the original Twin Towers sits two large recessed pools (the largest manmade waterfalls in North America) encircled by parapets engraved with the names of each and every victim from the towers, including victims from the Pentagon attack, American Airlines Flight 77, United Airlines Flight 93 as well as the victims of the World Trade Center attack back in 1993. The museum houses memorabilia and many treasures of those we want to remember.
Ironically, the iconic image that was captured in a photo and is still a symbol of that horrific day, has taken on a life of its own, telling a very emotional story even without words. Over 15 years later, one of the women in the photo and the photographer that took the picture were reunited. Joanne Capestro was an executive assistant at the May Davis Group on the 87th floor of the North Tower. Rushing out of the burning inferno and running down flights and flights of stairs, she finally got to the street and headed towards St. Paul’s Chapel, trying to take safety. After the soot had settled, Joanne just happened to run into one of her coworkers, Dominique, and the two, covered from head to toe in dust from the debris, started walking away from the scene. Photographer Phil Penman approached them, all the while looking forward to some time off after working six months non-stop on a project. Plans changed in an instant. He snapped the picture and that became the most symbolic image of that day. Penman never imagined it would rise to those levels.
Both Penman and Capestro suffered emotional trauma from 9/11 in the months and years to come. With so many years gone by, Penman was eager to show his work at the 9/11 Memorial Museum in 2016. While reviewing his images, the Museum’s curatorial staff spotted Capestro in several the shots he had taken. She previously had donated her dust-covered outfit from that day and the contents of her recovered pocketbook. They approached the photographer wondering if he would like to have the opportunity to re-unite with his subject in the photo and she with him. Both agreed that this was a blessed opportunity.
Penman and Capestro arranged that re-encounter over a year ago, at Joanne’s downtown office. “I remember we both shared a hug when greeting each other and then chatted about our experiences since then. How our lives have changed from this experience,” said Penman. Capestro thanked Penman for giving her closure on the situation just by snapping that one photo. However, the best part of all is that the two remain in contact and Joanne humbly gives back to her community however she can. Capestro assisted in raising more that $90,000 towards a Hurricane Harvey relief fund. Prior to that, she proudly raised over $165,000 for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. For 14 years now, she has been a team leader and a true role model for the American Cancer Society’s annual breast cancer walk in Central Park.
I am sure there are many other humanistic stories that have developed from this one unnerving day. We, as Americans, have become stronger and more resilient people because of this attack. September 11, 2001 is a day that has received its own chapter in history books in schools and universities across the nation, sharing life lessons that will continue to educate over the years, generation after generation.
