www.ashraya-ny.org (Ashraya-New York) mourns those that lost their lives on 9/11/2001. May their spirits rest in peace. We offer a tribute in photographs in their memory, a testament to hope, rebirth and the resilience of the human spirit. Our City was targeted and dealt the deadliest blow in it's history on September 11, 2001, but it could not dampen New York's spirit, energy, courage and determination to re-build. On 9/11/2011, the 10th anniversary of The World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001, powerful lights beamed skywards where the Twin Towers once stood, imitating the contours of the lost buildings. Below them, the lights of "Freedom Tower," 1, World Trade Center, shine at Ground Zero, symbolizing a new beginning and rebirth. Nearby, the World Trade Center Memorial and Museum will commemorate those that lost their lives on 9/11. The Memorial will include two pools of water in the footprints of the original Twin Towers. Trees are already growing around the pools, symbolizing new life. Please scroll down to view a photograph of the Memorial.
New York lost 343 firemen on 9/11, many of whom walked into the burning towers to save people they did not even know - knowing they could die. They gave their lives in service to this city, country and people. Local residents leave tributes at firehouses on 9/11 every year. These photographs are also dedicated to our military, all first responders that lost their lives, those that survived the attack, and first responders that continue to serve this country with courage, selflessness and honor.
Since this story was posted, I was able to photograph the World Trade Center Memorial from 7, World Trade Center, a building that also collapsed during the World Trade Center attack on 9/11/2001. It has since been rebuilt by Larry Silverstein, (Silverstein Properties), who bought the World Trade Center site three months before the attacks on the Twin Towers.
The photograph above was made possible thanks to an invitation to a book launch party at 7 World Trade Center on September 19, 2011, for "New York From The Air," by world reknowned French photographer Yann Arthus Bertrand, and writer John Tauranac. At the event, Mr. Arthus Bertrand described "strap-hanging out of the helicopter" to take many of the photographs in this superb book of aerial photogrpahs of New York, while Mr. Tauranac wrote the text and provided maps,and "went along for the ride," but said he was "firmly strapped in, inside the helicopter." The result of this partnership is a wonderful visual memoir of our changing skyline and city, published by Abrams. The book is available at Rizzolli for $60.
The skyline of our city was spectacular tonight, stretching out on all sides, to all boroughs, and to New Jersey. Lady Liberty glowing in New York Harbor with her shining torch, a beacon of hope; the amazing Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, the beautiful bridges strung with lights, the humble water towers - so many people working hard in their offices in immense new skyscrapers designed by world famous architects who wish to leave their mark on this, the greatest of cities - were all a reminder that everything we looked out upon as the sun set on New York were gifts born of freedom and liberty.
Below us, glowing bright, was the World Trade Center Memorial, two beautiful pools of light in the footprints of the original Twin Towers of The World Trade Center, with trees growing beside them.