The Staten Island September 11 Memorial had been on my list for a while, especially after reading about it in Robin Lynn and Francis Morrone’s Guide to New York City Urban Landscapes. (By the way…an excellent resource for not to be missed public places in New York City.) It’s certainly understandable why Staten Island needed their own memorial…270 people from Staten Island were killed on that day, with many not receiving their loved one’s remains. So not only is this a memorial, but a cemetery as well.
Just a brief walk from St. George’s ferry station you’ll begin to see two thin white structures pointed towards Manhattan. Perhaps outstretched wings…or perhaps two postcards being sent to their loved ones according to Masayuki Sono’s (sculptor) vision. His idea was to portray two postcards, or envelopes, or letters…being sent to lost loved ones. Also as part of Sono’s design was incorporating a 9×11 granite plaque that bears the name, birth date, place of work as well as a profile in silhouette of each individual being honored.
Almost a feeling of intrusion…
so personal…
extremely moving.
There was so much that had such a profound impact on me, but those silhouettes... All those faces looking out over the harbor towards lower Manhattan. Every once in a while when the sun would come out from under the clouds, their shadows would slowly appear…as if they were coming to life.
So raw…
so emotional…
a must to visit.
~~~
Now if you’re willing to stay just a touch longer before you head for the ferry…
well…do I have a restaurant for you.
Stay tuned!
Oh, Robin, how moving … I’m so happy that you included pictures of the silhouettes, what a beautiful thing that I couldn’t imagine in my mind.
Unbelievable, Robin. Why haven’t we ever heard of this before…in all these years! Incedibly touching….
This is a part that I never knew of, why is this kept kind of a secret. Your pictures show a wonderful memorial for the ones that deserve it.
Wonderful pictures. Love the one with the rose and the blur skyline.
Okay, lets go to the restaurant…… 😉
Staten Island, is a place on my bucket list…….
Very moving. I’m glad someone thought to create this for those who were lost from their loved ones. One can only imagine that heartache.. Great Post! Thanks for sharing. xoxo MORE!
This was a beautifully moving post. Thanks so much for sharing this site with us. Your pictures captured the essence of the place so wonderfully. Thank you!
Wow. You’re doing a great job in showing us around – and in finding the right words … no intrusion. Thanks.
What a mind bogglingly brilliant photograph that first one is. I kept staring at it, and loving the perspectives. The words around the photographs are so moving, and a beautiful glimpse of the emotions behind them
What an outstanding and moving tribute to those lost on that terrible day! You’ve captured such emotion with your images and you are so right—this is a must see!
Extremely touching and moving.I don’t normally like memorials but this seems to be a must to visit….
Excellent design and beautiful captures.
Robin these are great photos. The Staten Island Ferry was one of my escapes when I lived in Greenwich St. NY as a student. I used to take it over and back as often as possible to stay cool and to see the view. This post was very touching and brought back happy and sad events. x
Great photos, Robin. I never knew the memorial existed, either.
You’ve captured the raw emotion, as always.
Thank you for sharing.
XO