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I recall vividly as I first experienced Ground Zero. It was September 26, 2001. On assignment from my job, I was to do a walk through of the building
known as 90 West, a 20 story building directly south of the World Trade Center
site. As I waited to enter security and gain access to the site, I looked around in awe, amazement, and disbelief. The magnitude of the ongoing activities was overwhelming.
I entered at Chambers, and crossed through the site to 90
West St. As I viewed the “pile” for the first time, my mood turned to shock and horror, and at the same time, praise and amazement for the people working at the site.
My mission for the moment became clear, to put into images what my mind was experiencing. To somehow take this juxtaposition of feelings and churn them into a vision of compassion and beauty. This is a select collection of photos from that day, and of the memorial lights and Closing Ceremony day. I offer these images with the utmost respect and reverence, to all.
In loving memory of the victims, and a past era in American
history.
The following are excerpts from a journal entry written while waiting to gain
access to the site for the first time.
"Mix of Police, Fireman, National Guard, Construction Workers, Red
Cross, are gathered at every corner. A white tent, and huge American flag
hanging from the building behind, mark the check- in point for rescue and
relief workers and others accessing the site. Occasional civilians living in
nearby buildings, as part of their daily routine, now cross through various
check points, showing ID’s and some wearing masks, in order to accomplish
once simple tasks, such as going to the supermarket.
Hard-hat and respirator in hand, I made my approach to the check-in point.
I feel sort of privileged. Ground Zero, because of its security and
restrictions and worldwide notoriety, is an enigma to most. What is it? What
is it like to be there? What horrors are visible? What is the mood?
Piles of wreckage loom in the distance and there is an overwhelming acrid
odor and sense of dust in the air. A City Harvest truck, sponsored by Cantor
Fitzgerald (nearly all employees killed in the top floors of the WTC, drives
by, "feeding families in need" [written on the truck].
I am standing here, overwhelmed, amazed at the activity down here; emotions
brewing- grief, shock, pride, sorrow, awe, admiration."
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