World Trade Center Cross

Husband already touched upon our Saturday adventure, but I thought I would expound upon one aspect. Tomorrow marks the 6^th anniversary of the day that nineteen terrorists hijacked four planes, flying two of them into the World Trade Center Towers, one into the Pentagon and the last one crashing into a field in Pennsylvania after the passengers retook control of the plane.

I am sure we all still remember that day as if it were yesterday, each of us affected by the tragedy. As Husband and I walked by the eerie sight where massive high-rises once stood, we walked by a large steel cross. This cross is referred to as the “Ground Zero Cross.”

After the collapse of the buildings, thousands of people from across the globe began to clear the site and search for survivors. On September 13, 2001, Frank Silecchia discovered the 20-foot cross amongst the rubble of 6 World Trade Center. Those involved in the recovery and cleanup process began to use the cross as a shrine, leaving messages, cards, flowers, and even kneeling in prayer praying before the cross. Construction workers, firefighters, police officers and family members began holding weekly Sunday prayer services at the site. The names of fallen police officers and firefighters were also scribbled on the cross, along with the message "God Bless Our Fallen Brothers".

The following month, with the approval of Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a pedestal was created for the cross and it was moved to Church Street near Liberty. The cross was moved last year to St. Peter’s Church due to the reconstruction of the new PATH train station. That is the spot where Husband and I were able to admire this cross, constructed of steel beams from the fallen towers that were welded together.

As yet another year passes since that devastating day, it is hard not to recall all the raw emotions. This year is even more emotional as I am living mere blocks from where the Twin Towers once stood. As Husband and I walked down the streets it was hard not to recall the images of thousands of people running for their lives, covered in ashes, and fearful of all going on around them as they fled in panic down the street that Husband and I casually strolled down. I never want to forget those images. To the families and friends of the ones who lost their loved ones, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will never forget them.