Roosevelt Island 10th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Service Held Sunday At Remembrance Garden

Image of Tribute In Light As Seen From Roosevelt Island By Nathaniel C. Phillips

Roosevelt Island resident Dave Evans shares some thoughts on attending Roosevelt Island's 10th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Service at Remembrance Garden on Sunday evening. From Mr. Evans:

Roosevelt Island’s Own “9/11” MEMORIAL

On 11 September 2001, many in the United States awakened to the reality of a threat against this country. While there was a lot of disbelief and just a whole range of emotions, the fact was that this country suddenly seemed smaller and vulnerable. We had been hit and many died. The most visible of the victims found themselves in and or over three locations - - New York City’s World Trade Center, Washington (DC)’s Pentagon (actually in Virginia) and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Many were flying passengers unable to prevent the planes’ arrival on target and some made a brave decision (“let’s roll”) to thwart the hijackers. Many were our first responders, many were neighbors trying to help, and many were ordinary citizens trying to escape the tragedy. They were and are all heroes. Though these victims’ lives were cut short, their memories will live forever amongst us on this earth.

Here on Roosevelt Island, we too have continued to memorialize those who lost their lives that tragic day in 2001.

Image of 2011 9/11 Memorial Service From Dave Evans

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, along with the Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council, led a ceremony on Sunday evening culminating in the names called of I believe nine individuals who lived here or worked here,

Image of Roosevelt Island Memorial Plaque From Roosevelt Island 360

candles lit in their honor and placed in our own meticulously maintained Remembrance Garden,

a candle-laced procession to the water

 Image from Main Street Wire nyc10044

where we reflected quietly, looked to the future and listened to the sounds of a trumpet. I am glad Andy did not play “taps”, but more on that later. Lynne Shinozaki

Image of RIRA's Lynn Shinozaki

and others put together a splendid ceremony inspired by songs from a wonderful spiritual choir,

Image of Choir Singers From Dave Evans

Asher Elbaz's premier piece,

 

Image of Ascher Elbaz From Dave Evans

and a Katz guitar

Image Of RIRA President Matt Katz From Dave Evans

as the nicely sized, candle-holding crowd filled the square along side and behind our landmark Chapel.

Images From Dave Evans

I used to limit my own reflections to the area of the Pentagon, a place one would never think could be in the “cross-hairs” of such a successful attack. In fact, when I walked the corridors of that five-sided structure, there was a feeling of invulnerability, invincibility. However, this country was quickly awakened on “9/11” to the reality of vulnerability. Our subsequent responses have recognized that and each day, while we try to press forward with our daily lives, we must not forget that the achievement of peace can be elusive and that it requires strong efforts, sacrifices and sensitive and respectful interactions with citizens of the world of all types. Yes, I was relieved that “taps” was not played because for the first time in ten years, I did not cry in public in the presence of so many other living victims of September 11, 2001.