Clinging To The Memories At The National 9/11 Memorial Museum
By: Hope Wilkos, Monique Nolan Writer/Blogger
Another major historic milestone was reached last Thursday, May 15, 2014, in New York City. The National September 11th Memorial Museum is keeping all those memories alive as it opened its doors many feet below ground zero to the 9/11 community made up of survivors, responders, rescuers and the families that lost loved ones on that dreadful day. They were joined by dignitaries such as Michael Bloomberg (Mayor on 9/11), Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bill DeBlasio, the Clintons as well as President Obama and the First Lady.
Mixed emotions have drawn much attention to the museum which opens for the very first time to the public on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Some that experienced the disaster that day in 2001 just are not ready to relive it. Others are impressed with the focus on the importance of keeping the memories alive and are eager to be able to reminisce about their loved ones in this below-ground museum. Still other critics feel that charging admission to pay respects to those we lost and honor is not in good taste.
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All criticism aside for the moment, it is inconceivable what so many people went through on that day that forever changed history. The artifacts laid out for viewing take us back to that most tragic time in history and have us seeing the scenario in our minds and only imagining what these people lived real time. The meaning of ordinary items become filled with symbols and representative of people just like you and me.
Each object tells its own unique tale from the personal office letters and paperwork that fell from the towers like snowflakes falling upon the earth fast and furious to the red wallet belonging to 27 year old, Genni Gambale, who worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 102nd floor of one of the towers. The wallet contains items such as an American Express corporate card, a coupon and change. Everything was still intact when it was found feet away from the destruction.
Museum Curator, Jan Ramirez, describes some of the emotion that led to the creation of the National September 11th Memorial Museum. “An airplane hangar full of largely bruised, contorted artifacts formed the basis of the museum.” “We all had our different thresholds about what was the right thing to do,” Ramirez said. “We want to remind people why 9/11 was unlike any other day the country has experienced. But we did not want to cross a threshold where a visitor’s empathy shuts down. That would be a horrible misfire of our objectives.”
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Visitors that enter this emotional atmosphere will see 12,500 objects, 1995 oral histories along with 580 hours of film and video. Many of the family members and responders were anxious to donate items which they hope will mean as much to visitors coming to pay their respects as these personal items have meant to them. Firefighter badly damaged helmets, brown leather gloves bearing the words, “Thank you” on one of the palms are going from ordinary to massively symbolic. A hardly recognizable fire truck crushed in part by the falling debris of the skyscrapers is on display and highlights the horrific nature of the day. James Wind who survived that day and worked for the particular ladder company that the truck belonged to, wants those who view this truck and some of the artifacts, to take a specific thought away, “Live your life but be aware. This can happen still.”
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The greatest symbol of faith taken from the wreckage of that day was the huge steel beam in the shape of a cross. It invokes a belief in God when all hope seemed to be lost. Seen across the world in all the media platforms from the day it was discovered to present day years later, this has to be one of the most poignant pieces in the museum.
President Obama gave a speech during the Museum dedication, finding the experience at the museum profound and moving, and here are some excerpts from the speech:
“I want to express our deep gratitude to everybody who was involved in this great undertaking — for bringing us to this day, for giving us this sacred place of healing and of hope.
Here, at this memorial, this museum, we come together. We stand in the footprints of two mighty towers, graced by the rush of eternal waters. We look into the faces of nearly 3,000 innocent souls — men and women and children of every race, every creed, and every corner of the world. We can touch their names and hear their voices and glimpse the small items that speak to the beauty of their lives. A wedding ring. A dusty helmet. A shining badge.
Here we tell their story, so that generations yet unborn will never forget. Of coworkers who led others to safety. Passengers who stormed a cockpit. Our men and women in uniform who rushed into an inferno. Our first responders who charged up those stairs. A generation of servicemembers — our 9/11 Generation — who have served with honor in more than a decade of war. A nation that stands tall and united and unafraid — because no act of terror can match the strength or the character of our country. Like the great wall and bedrock that embrace us today, nothing can ever break us; nothing can change who we are as Americans.
On that September morning, Alison Crowther lost her son Welles. Months later, she was reading the newspaper — an article about those final minutes in the towers. Survivors recounted how a young man wearing a red handkerchief had led them to safety. And in that moment, Alison knew. Ever since he was a boy, her son had always carried a red handkerchief. Her son Welles was the man in the red bandana.
Welles was just 24 years old, with a broad smile and a bright future. He worked in the South Tower, on the 104th floor. He had a big laugh, a joy of life, and dreams of seeing the world. He worked in finance, but he had also been a volunteer firefighter. And after the planes hit, he put on that bandana and spent his final moments saving others.
Three years ago this month, after our SEALs made sure that justice was done, I came to Ground Zero. And among the families here that day was Alison Crowther. And she told me about Welles and his fearless spirit, and she showed me a handkerchief like the one he wore that morning.
And today, as we saw on our tour, one of his red handkerchiefs is on display in this museum. And from this day forward, all those who come here will have a chance to know the sacrifice of a young man who — like so many — gave his life so others might live.
Those we lost live on in us. In the families who love them still. In the friends who remember them always. And in a nation that will honor them, now and forever.
And today it is my honor to introduce two women forever bound by that day, united in their determination to keep alive the true spirit of 9/11 — Welles Crowther’s mother Alison, and one of those he saved, Ling Young. “
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It is up to you, the public, to formulate your opinion once you enter the National September 11th Memorial Museum. It has the power to ignite emotions that you may have never felt before. It might bring you complacency, deep remorse, proudness or any number of emotions. However, the overwhelming significance is hopefully a sense of unity that the United States will not be defeated and we continue to maintain the promise for peace and solidarity. On Wednesday, May 21st, the opening day, tickets have already been sold out. That reveals just how important and necessary this tribute seems to be and will continue to be way into the future.
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