STILLWELL: The Cheapening Of Ground Zero

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 9/27/6 | Cinnamon Stillwell

[SmithL]

Like many a San Franciscan, I've had a long love affair with that great urban metropolis on the other side of the country, New York City. Whether transplanted New Yorkers or members of the bicoastal set, more than a few locals are connected to their East Coast counterparts.

In my own case, friends and colleagues have kept me visiting New York City regularly since I was a child. My last visit took place earlier this month, on the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It seemed a fitting time to check in.

The timing held a strictly personal resonance for me as well, for Sept. 11 was not only world altering but also life altering. In the aftermath, I found myself on the opposite end of the political spectrum, and I took up writing as a means of expressing that transformative experience. As for my attachment to New York City, it was only strengthened by the cruel wounds inflicted that terrible day.

My previous visit to New York City took place in 2003, near the second anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Then too, I made a pilgrimage to ground zero, the site of the former World Trade Center towers. But whereas the first time I found comfort and solace in a newly revitalized and patriotic city, the second time did not prove to be so uplifting. In fact, it turned out to be a rather painful experience.

The fact that the World Trade Center memorial has yet to be built was part of the problem. On my 2003 visit, the site was a gaping whole in the ground -- and in 2006 the hole remains.

[SmithL]

Seen the Light Ping

FReepMail me if you want on, or off this low-volume Ping list.

[Jerez2]

BTTT.
I too was surprised/saddened/appalled that 9-11 was not commemorated with reverence. Have You Forgotten? 'fraid so.

[GSWarrior]

i visited ground zero two years ago. The only pictures I took were of a women who was selling little "souvenir" postcard/booklets of the attack, the destruction and the aftermath. She tried to dodge and turn away, obviously uncomfortable being the subject of my camera.

Later, at St. Pauls Church, the camera stayed in my bag. Some things you remember without having to take a picture of it.

[Syncro]

Great report from Ground Zero 5 years later.

Great report, but sad what you saw.

Some people don't know what Never Forget really means.

The touristization of the site of the cruel massacre of 9-11-2001 is despicable.

[World_Events]

You are right, a great article about how Ground Zero has been cheapened indeed.