Circle of Liberty, or Crescent of Embrace? - The Flight 93 Memorial

JEFFHEAD.COM ^ | 14-Sep-2005 | Jeff Head

[Jeff Head]

From this article today:

Tom Burnett Sr., whose son died in the crash, said he made an impassioned speech to his fellow jurors about what he felt the crescent represented.

"I explained this goes back centuries as an old-time Islamic symbol," Burnett said. "I told them we'd be a laughing stock if we did this."

But his fellow jurors -- and it turns out, many of the other family members -- disagree with his interpretation.

"I got blown off."

So, it is clear that they knew from the beginning regarding the potnetial ramifications...amd chose to go ahead anyway over the objections of Tom Burnett's father. Now that the outcry is growing, they are willing to consider changing it. Good...time now to pour on the protests all the more IMHO.

[Eastbound]

From the tone of many of the blogs, it wouldn't surprise me if the 'archtitecht will even include any of the letters, 'I', 'S', 'L', 'A', or 'M' in the new name of the memorial. Heh.

Thanks to all the diligent folks who made their outrage heard, I'm certain the final design will reflect what it is supposed to reflect. And thanks also for the critical role you played in publicizing this, Jeff. And certainly, thanks to the many other FReepers who led the charge and did the initial comparison graphics.

The total effort was more than just outstanding, considering the short amount of time it took for the architect to re-consider. I am duly stuned. Freegards ! -- Dave

[snowsislander]

I just took another look at the Flight 93 memorial website, and there are now two letters there that I think indicate that there will be no substantive change in the memorial:

http://www.nasites.com/cmprojects/projects/Flight93_bulibmgr/docs/FL93%20Reynolds%20Respond%20to%20Memorial%20Questions_OPED_9_14_05.pdf

http://www.nasites.com/cmprojects/projects/Flight93_bulibmgr/docs/FL93%20Peterson%20Respond%20to%20Memorial%20Questions_OPED_9_14_05.pdf