by Lionel Bascom — July 11th, 2008 — 1 comment
A Ground Zero Memorial - but not the planned museum - will be in place by the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks, Port Authority chief Christopher Ward vowed Thursday night.
Quoted in the New York Daily Newsm Ward told a Community Board 1 meeting “What we hoped for, dreamed of, will be completed,” The meeting was attended by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) and other officials.
Ward’s promise came on the same day relatives of Sept. 11 victims railed at him in a letter over his admission last month that Ground Zero construction is over budget and years behind schedule.
Ward said the letter was “thoughtful” and expressed “the deep emotions of the family members.”
He said he now foresees a memorial that includes “a plaza, trees, and most of the design elements” opening by Sept. 11, 2011.
It would be “a somber place to allow for appropriate marking of the 10th anniversary,” he said, while warning that “accomplishing this will very difficult.”
He explained the “plaza does not stand alone” but is linked to the transit system and other underground facilities. You cannot build a memorial by forgetting its interconnection to the rest of the site.”
1:31 AM in Uncategorized, World Trade Center, Ground Zero, Related Stories, We Will Never Forget, Freedom Tower News
With a memorial in place, albeit a portion of the final memorial, for the 10th anniversary of this dreadful event, the mourners will be able to contemplate how they can move forward in their lives. Moreover, it will provide a respectful sanctuary to grieve and remember. Very somber, indeed, but so necessary. Let’s hope Mr. Ward can maintain his vow.
Jeanne · July 11th, 2008 at 4:16 pm