For 10 years, the nation has been mired in the somber commemoration of 9|11. For 10 years, we have referred to the original attack site in New York City as “Ground Zero.” For 10 years, the media has covered the hurt, the pain, the sadness and the horrific images from that September morning that changed our world. Is it time now to move forward?
Yesterday, every major network and cable channel carried live coverage of the events in lower Manhattan, in Shanksville, PA and at the Pentagon in Washington. When those events concluded, several networks continued with special presentations regarding the events of 9|11, including original footage and images from that dark day, health concerns of the first responders, children from the school George W. Bush was at when the attacks occurred (who are now all grown up) and more. It was all very touching and very emotional. As one speaker said during the New York commemoration, “It still feels almost as if it were yesterday.” But is that a good thing? Is that healthy?
Throughout history, America has experienced many dark moments: the attack on Pearl Harbor; thousands of lynchings and murders of black men during the civil rights era.; the horrific deaths from Hurricane Katrina; the original 1993 attack on the World Trade Center. And although we remember those moments with the dignity and respect each deserves, we have also found a way to move forward.
Many still refer to the former World Trade Center site as “Ground Zero,” despite the fact a fitting new memorial stands proudly in its place, with new buildings beginning to tower around the original WTC footprints. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has requested we move beyond the “Ground Zero” moniker and refer to it as the memorial that it now is. And with the death of Osama Bin Laden, others are saying it may be time to release the sadness and move our minds and our hearts forward.
Has the media coverage of 9|11 been too much or just right? Should full-time televised coverage continue in the years to come, or should we allow the families to grieve and remember in private? Should we remain steeped in sadness and tears, or can we keep the memory of the victims close to our heads and hearts while looking to the new memorial and growing towers as a symbol of hope?
We will never forget September 11, 2001. But is it time now to move forward?
You presented some interesting thougths here DJ. Never thought about it that way. Now that its been ten years maybe they can mark the 20, 25, 30, 50 year anniversary. Your right the healing must begin.