September 12th

The 250 color slides made at the World Trade Towers in New York City on September 11, 2001, received from the New York District Attorney's office from an unattributed photographer, are in the public domain. These slides were received from the New York District Attorney's office with the photographer relinquishing any and all copyright and right of attribution. Therefore, the photographer's name will not be associated with these photographs. Privacy and publicity rights may apply.  Credit line shall read "Courtesy of the Prints and Photographs Division. Library of Congress."

Today is a good day to remember because it is the day following September 11th.  A pastor from an email list I receive, said that perhaps we have allowed September 11th to define us.  He may be right.  He also said to remember September 12th.  The people who came to help, the men and women who risked their lives searching through the rubble.  The support that came from friends and relatives of the survivors.  The outpouring of support.  There was an unused church in the neighborhood that became the place the workers came to eat and to rest.  Meals were served without cost.  People donated food.  The finest chefs in the city were volunteering their time to cool the meals.

Let's remember September 12th.  All the kindness from people around the world who reached out, who prayed who sent messages of support and who came to help.  Fire and rescue workers came from Canada.  We could go on and on.  And I know that the people of New York, whether from the neighborhood of the Twin towers, the surrounding area, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx or from further afield, even those of us from upstate, do remember the strength that was found within and beside those who suffered:  those who lost their loved ones, those who were injured, those who lost their lives in the aftermath of 9/11.

I have a hard time remembering that day, even all these years later, without deep emotions surfacing.  I think I let it pass and speak of it later, so as to stay in some sort of balance.  Each personal story I hear about the event touches me deeply, and I know that for the people of New York, 9/11 has shaped and defined us.  And some of that may not be to our advantage, when fear has taken us down roads of anger and a desire for revenge.  But there was and is so much more than that...there was courage and love and a pulling together that makes me feel profound gratitude that I live in New York state.

Each day I receive an email from Diane Walker, "Contemplative Photography."  I think it comes a day late.  But in this context it was right on time.  May this be our prayer for those who have harmed us:


“O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted on us, remember the fruits we have bought, because of this suffering - our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown out of all of this, and when they come to judgement, let all the fruits we have borne be their forgiveness.”
 -- The prayer of an unknown woman, found on a piece of wrapping paper in Ravensbruck concentration camp; taken from Monica Furlong's book, Women Pray.