Wearing red, white and blue today {actually yesterday}...

In honor of those who tragically lost their lives nearly ten years ago - as well as in gratitude to those who have risked and given their lives to protect the freedoms we hold dear. I would like to say thank you to all of our armed forces and their families for the incredible sacrifices they make each and every day. Thank you!

I was watching Fox News in my living room last night when I heard that Osama Bin Laden was dead. From where I was sitting, I could see out my window one of the new buildings under construction at what many have called Ground Zero. We were already getting in bed so we didn't go out on the street, but it was interesting to take a walk today through what has been my neighborhood for the past four years.

 

There were definitely more flowers and notes than usual on the fence around the construction zone (above) as well as near this memorial to the firefighters (below) who lost their lives in the terrorist attack.

 Reflecting on what happened over the weekend, I decided to visit the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site to pay tribute to the thousands of individuals and their families whose lives were tragically cut short on that dreadful day nearly ten years ago. 

9/11 Memorial Preview Site

20 Vesey Street (between Church St. and Broadway)

They call it a preview site, but is more like a mini-museum. While it's not very big, the video, audio recording and pictures are extremely moving. It only takes about 30 minutes to an hour to get a good look at everything. Whether you're a New Yorker or a visitor, I would highly suggest stopping by.

This lady liberty was created with mementos left at makeshift memorials after the attacks. It was a community project that used to be in Times Square. The Flag of Honor lists the names of all of the victims.

 

Being a resident of the neighborhood, this is one of the things I found most interesting. I look out my window everyday at one of the new buildings under construction, but didn't know before which one it was. It really seems like the construction progress is being made much more quickly than it was when we first moved here. We are really looking forward to seeing the construction complete hopefully in not too many years.

The before 9/11 map and the after being rebuilt map.

The audio recordings at this were very powerful and heart-wrenching. Try to listen for at least a few minutes if you have time.


Good to know: There is no admission fee for the 9/11 memorial preview site. You can find hours and more details here.