USA/NY: NYC – 9/11 25th Anniversary – National 9/11 Memorial Site

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial on the night of September 11th is a rather different, more solemn and emotional experience (especially if it brings all the memories of the day in your head). The twin reflecting pools are illuminated at night and the entire perimeter is covered with flowers and mementos left during the official memorial services from earlier in the day – the names of people who died that day etched in granite and illuminated, but covered with red, yellow, pink, white roses and other flowers. Small American flags everywhere, as well as some foreign flags. Even teddy bear toys. The crowds are larger and but somehow also quiet. And of course, only on this day do you have the Tribute of Light beams rising up into the sky almost right near the place where the majestic towers once stood. And on the opposite side of the reflecting pool – the One Freedom Tower rising up 1776 feet. The entire atmosphere and experience is a balance of grief and resilience of the New York City and its people.