No matter how far we get from the tragedy that became of September 11, 2001, the story and feelings are, and always will be fresh in ones heart. On september 8th, Queens College organized a remembrance day for those that have perished on 9/11. In honor of the fallen, stories were told, and emotions were shared. The orchestra that performed, enhanced the feelings, as they beautifully played an eclectic program of song befitting for such a somber day.
Almost everyone has a story for that fateful day. Whether one can feel the effect that day had on his life, or if he could just remember where he was; it will never be forgotten.
Below is the story of one of the musicians from the orchestra.

Below is a short video of a piece that the orchestra played.

This past Sunday, I attended a 9/11 memorial event at Cedarhurst Park. Speakers ranged from congressmen, to clergymen, all of whom spoke of the tragic event of ten years past, as well as the amazingly heroic nature of those who sacrificed their own lives to save others. Toward the middle of the ceremony, a local girls a cappella group sang “Wind Beneath My Wings.” As they sang, I could almost picture the firefighters who ran into the blazing inferno to save complete strangers, and the families of those firefighters who never got a chance to tell them how proud they were. I couldn’t help but sing quietly along with them.

Later on in the memorial, the orchestra started playing a series of songs chosen for the occasion. In contrast to the somber, inspiring nature of the speeches and ceremonies, the music played was strangely upbeat. Along with the expected “God Bless America” and “Fanfare of the Common Man,” they played songs like “Rock Around the Clock”, “The Syncopated Clock”, and “New York, New York.” At first, I was a bit disturbed, but after thinking about the selection, I realized that there was more to this memorial than remembering what happened. It was a statement to the continuation and survival of the American spirit. In a sense, we were saying that almost despite the events of 9/11, we still live.

We will, and must, always remember what happened. But events like these remind me that part of remembering is looking forward to a better future.

On Sunday, September 11th, I was lucky enough to be a part of such a beautiful event at The Riverside Church which was aimed to commemorate the lives lost on that date ten years ago.  When I walked into the church I immediately felt a force of peace overcome me.  I had used that day to reflect, and I had looked at videos of the towers collapsing in honor of remembering what our country went through that day.  I wanted to cry for the people that died.  But after a long day of solemnity, being in the church reminded me of the strength that our country has had to overcome and rebuild within the last ten years.

When I walked in I was handed an origami crane and a program.  The cranes were beautiful, but I didn’t know what they were for.  Ana told me about the Japanese legend that allows a person one wish after folding a thousand origami cranes.  I was immediately impressed by such a beautiful symbol.  A wish for healing, as these cranes represented, is not unrealistic.  Then I saw that at the top of the program given out to each of the participants of the night, it read “Pray for Japan and 9.11.” I loved that we were together with Japan in this struggle for healing.  A lot can come from unity.

The performance of the night was by all means the most impressive.  The unity was made literal as the Japan and U.S. Memorial Orchestra and Chorus came together with members of the Queens College Orchestra and Chorus.  The orchestra and chorus had a power that overtook the whole sanctuary and captured me in a state of reflection.  The various tones and speeds of different parts of the requiem exhibited many different emotions and had a sense of a story to it–one of pain followed by hope.

What stayed with me the most was that such power can come from a piece whose words I couldn’t even comprehend.  Despite that, knowing that such an amazing message remained within the piece made it even more captivating.  At some point, the words “dona eis requiem” was sung, which means “grant them eternal rest.”  When I think about these words I immediately think of the victims of the tragedy in Japan and in Manhattan.  May they indeed forever have eternal rest.

As I look back at where I was on September 11th, I can remember everything perfectly.  It was a beautiful day, and I was in third grade.  We were told that we couldn’t go outside because there was too much bird waste on the ground (which we easily believed).  I was confused, however, by the fact that not one child was released without an adult, and every single adult that walked in had a panicked, fierce look on his/her face.  When my mom picked me up early and rushed me quickly into our green mini-van, she had the same face.  Everyone was scared and devastated on that day.  I will never, ever forget the worry that overtook my family’s lives knowing that my father and grandfather were in Manhatten.  Our classmate, Caitlin, had a similar experience.  No matter how small each of our memories are, I know that we can all say each one will remain with us forever.

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Just a few days ago, I attended a memorial service in my community for those who perished in the tragic attack on 9/11 just 10 years ago. It was truly a remarkable and moving sight to witness. People of all ages gathered together to commemorate those who lost their lives, while honoring those who risk their lives daily to protect us.

That morning driving in the car, the song “9/11 Heaven” began playing on the radio. It shot right threw my heart, leaving chills all over me. Moments later, I joined the families and individuals who lost their loved ones on that very day 10 years ago. Once again, my hair stood on end as the Chief of Law of the fire department read through a list of names of the deceased. It struck me repeatedly as they rung a bell after each name was called, bringing me back to the feeling I experienced that morning. Tears welded up in my eyes. Looking around at my community, joined as one, left a sense of hope in the air. Even though so many were lost, WE are still here to live on and remember them.

I am posting this video so you can experience how I felt at the moment.

On September 11, I attended the memorial of the terrorist attack at Cedarhurst Park in Cedarhurst, New York. The event focused specifically on those from the Five Towns community– the people who worked at the World Trade Center, as well as fire fighters and volunteer rescue workers– who were murdered on that day ten years ago. An earlier post describes exactly what went on their– the speeches, the orchestra, and the a cappella choir.

What really touched me about the program was that it was about my community specifically, so it had a really personal touch to it. There was a large crowd there, and it didn’t matter what religion or race the people were a part of– we all just gathered together as a community to share in the loss and remember the tragedies of 9/11. The Five Towns community has both a large Jewish and a large Christian population, and the speakers at the memorial spoke about their ability to unite as a community even though their beliefs might be different.

It was altogether a beautiful event, and I am glad that I attended.

This article details the various ways in which 9/11 is commemorated at three different places in New York City. The first is the School of Visual Arts, the second is the Museum of Modern Art and the last is the International Center of Photography.
The School of Visual Arts uses mostly photography to express its sentiments on 9/11. Out of 6,500 pictures submitted, 300 are lined up and strung across to tell the story of 9/11. What I find impressive is how most of the art does not explicitly show the buildings being hit by the planes and yet it still manages to express the complex emotions that are associated with 9/11. I’m glad that we can display such emotions without taking a hammer and hitting the observer over the head with it. The sublime nature of art is one of its best and distinctive qualities.
At the Museum of Modern art, rather than solely utilizing art that was made for or because of 9/11, pieces are displayed that were created just to be art. After all, art can elicit various reactions based on when and where it is placed. From the author’s opinion–which he strongly conveys–the “random” art does not feel out of place, and actually helps create a soothing atmosphere. Juxtaposing a scene of peaceful flowers with the wreck left after horrible incident is somewhat soothing. It even seems to give a feeling of closure to the event. Since I am a musician, I found one musical, or at least auditory, aspect very interesting. Stephen Vitiello stayed on the ninety-first floor of the tower when Hurrican Floyd struck. By recording they sounds the building made during the hurricane, he created an audio that personifies the building by giving it a voice.
Last, but certainly not least, is the International Center of Photography. In the article, the author describes this location of art second, but I feel it fits better last. This is due to the fact that it is focused on the aftermath of 9/11, including the reconstruction. What stood out to me, from the authors description of the artwork, was the exhibit that showed 49 aerial photos of the new towers under construction. Through these pictures, the observer can follow the evolution of the towers, like a phoenix reborn from its ashes.
Even though this article is a few days old, and the tenth memorial for 9/11 has already passed,  I feel that these presentations could, and should, be timeless if they are combined. Making a complete timeline of September Eleventh is not an easy task: especially doing so through various media of art. However, these exhibits seem to have accomplished this feat. To see the article, click here. 

A fellow student shares her experience on this day of remembrance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBP8Ryrw_4s