There have been a number of visits to the 9/11 Memorial since the opening in 2011…
And even a walking tour guided by the spouse of a fire department lieutenant who didn’t survive…and trust me…that was very emotional at times to hear her story…
But nothing…nothing prepared me for the raw emotion I felt during my visit to St. Paul’s Chapel of Trinity Church located directly across from “Ground Zero.”
Built in 1764, St. Paul’s Chapel is the oldest surviving church in Manhattan and miraculously survived the attack and building collapse of the towers. For many months following 9/11, St. Paul’s Chapel was open full time as a relief center for emergency workers, volunteers and family of the lost or missing. Its doors remained open around the clock to provide food and comfort to anyone involved. The pews in the church were places for the members of the fire department and other workers to catch a little sleep or perhaps just to reflect. Because the workers had to be ready at any moment, they kept their boots and equipment on…creating deep scuff marks in the pews as shown above. Today, the pews have been replaced with free-standing chairs to allow more room for visitors and larger audiences, but two pews remain as a memento to the workers and victims of 9/11.
And this is only the beginning…words can’t describe…you truly must experience this for yourself.
We have not forgotten and we will never forget…
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In remembrance
9-11-01
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I knew if anyone would capture such an emotionally impacting image, so different from all other perspectives, our Robin would.
Love you bunches.
XO
Robin, I love your post. I am bothered by the fact the church replaced the pews (save 2) with chairs. Shouldn’t ALL of the pews have been saved as a reminder into eternity? For me, that would have made it culturally more significant to visit. I love old places and old things. It’s like I can project myself back into the past. How cool it would be to visit this church 50 years from now and sit on a pew where a firefighter sat from 9/11.
That is truly a heartwarming story, and, true to your style… you captured the emotion both in your words and your photo image. XXOO MORE!
I agree with Cheryl…in wishing that ALL the pews had been preserved. Truly this is a perspective on THAT DAY that I’ve not seen before. Thanks for seeing and sharing it, Robin.
That picture shows more than words can say and I agree with Cheryl, all pews should be there, and no renewals.
The finest 9/11-12 post .