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Today we celebrate the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Moments of silence were observed at the exact time the planes hit and the name of each victim was read to show America hasn’t forgot and will never forget that fateful day. It was a terrible day in America’s history; however, 10 years later, we see that America is resilient as we were able to rebuild and recover.
One of the most touching parts of today’s ceremonies was the opening of the memorial at Ground Zero. It is a beautiful memorial. For the first time, family members were able to touch the names of their loved ones who passed away September 11, 2001. I watched a little girl on television take a blank sheet of paper and shade over the name of someone special to her. It could have been her dad, brother, mom, sister or someone else special to her. I imagine many others will take part in the tracing of names.
These pieces of paper will become a sort of artwork. Some people may frame the name of their loved one while others may simply add it to their scrapbook. Nevertheless, that piece of paper with the name shaded on it will hopefully help many families find the closure they need.
Shading over people’s names is a tradition I have seen done at other memorials. It is a unique way to take something home with you other than a memory. Unlike a memory, people can actually touch and feel the piece of paper with their loved one’s name.
Have you or anyone you known ever traced the name of a loved one onto a piece of paper at a memorial? If so, how was the experience? Was it fulfilling or did it help bring closure?
For more information on the 9/11 Memorial, visit www.911memorial.org
