Few buildings have ever been
given their own zip code but the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City (NYC)
had its own ~ 10048! Today the area of
land where the building stood has become a sanctuary in the heart of the City.
On a hot August afternoon I stood at the former site of the
World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan ~ Wall Street. As I walked up to the 911 Memorial with my
ticket to enter the hallowed ground along with thousands of visitors it seemed
as though the City was transformed.
It was noontime on this last Thursday of the month. The streets were hustling with autos, taxis,
people and the noise we associate with the financial capital of the world! As we stepped closer we saw the beginning of
the redeveloped WTC that included the Memorial Pools and the spiral new tower (see photo above) that
will be the tallest building in the US erected on the eight- acre ground. As a visitor you see the other rebuilding all
around you and marvel at what has been done. However, what struck me the most
was the sound of silence.
The two pools set in the footprints of the original Towers
are thirty- foot waterfalls – the largest in North America cascading into the
pools. Each of the falls then descends into a center void. On the bronze
parapets around of the pools the names of the victims are inscribed. Reflecting
on the names and looking at the waterfalls all you hear is the gentle sound of
the water – somehow the noise of the City is downed out. Zip code 10048 may be
silent but once again we are reminded as Mayor Michael Bloomberg says, “this is
a symbol of hope for the future”.
If you have the opportunity to visit New York City – do not miss
this remarkable place of reflection and remembrance in the spirit of unity.
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