September 11, 2011

Presidents Obama and Bush arrive at the World Trade Center memorial.

16 comments:

Moose said...

We're big on holes as memorials.

*sigh*

LilyBart said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
LilyBart said...

I have to confess - I just don't like that memorial. A big gaping hole in the ground to remind of of what's missing. Seems like a scar.

We could've done it better, I think.

Anonymous said...

I often think of such church services via the movie about British athletes, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjF59VB0h6g.

Mattman26 said...

Is it just me, or does it look like Obama cannot bring himself to look anywhere near W's direction?

Wince said...

I'm also ambivalent about the "waterfall into the abyss" look of the memorial.

Does Obama say, "let's go, I gotta pee now" at the end?

edutcher said...

Interesting. Dubya and Laura converse with Michelle while Barry looks somewhat annoyed.

Mattman26 said...

Is it just me, or does it look like Obama cannot bring himself to look anywhere near W's direction?

You may have something there.

Perhaps all those "Miss Me Yet?" posters.

miller said...

Would it kill you to just be glad that we have a country where leaders and former leaders can walk in dignity together?

alan markus said...

Is it just me, or does it look like Obama cannot bring himself to look anywhere near W's direction?

Obama does have a kind of "I hope he doesn't open a can of whoop-ass on me" look.

Phil 314 said...

Agree with Miller's sentiment.

Mattman26 said...

"Would it kill you to just be glad that we have a country where leaders and former leaders can walk in dignity together?"

Hey, I can get behind that, but it'd be cool if they could look at each other, too.

SukieTawdry said...

LilyBart said...I have to confess - I just don't like that memorial. A big gaping hole in the ground to remind of of what's missing. Seems like a scar.

I'll reserve judgement until I see it in person, but I don't think I like it either. Apparently, it was meant to remind one of a gaping wound. From the website:

This memorial proposes a space that resonates with the feelings of loss and absence that were generated by the destruction of the World Trade Center and the taking of thousands of lives on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. It is located in a field of trees that is interrupted by two large voids containing recessed pools. The pools are set within the footprints of the Twin Towers. A cascade of water that describes the perimeter of each square feeds the pools with a continuous stream. They are large voids, open and visible reminders of the absence.

The surface of the memorial plaza is punctuated by the linear rhythms of rows of deciduous trees, forming informal clusters, clearings and groves. This surface consists of a composition of stone pavers, plantings and low ground cover. Through its annual cycle of rebirth, the living park extends and deepens the experience of the memorial.

Surrounding the pools on bronze parapets are the names. The enormity of this space and the multitude of names underscore the vast scope of the destruction. Standing there at the water's edge, looking at a pool of water that is flowing away into an abyss, a visitor to the site can sense that what is beyond this parapet edge is inaccessible.


9/11 Memorial

It's a shame the only thing they chose to commemorate about that day was the loss.

SukieTawdry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SukieTawdry said...

miller said...Would it kill you to just be glad that we have a country where leaders and former leaders can walk in dignity together?

I for one am damn glad about that. I'm even gladder that we have a country where we can be as snarky about it as we wish.

TosaGuy said...

It will be interesting to see how Obama acts when he is part of the ex-presidents club.