NEW YORK—On Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. families of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, will step onto the site of so much sorrow and touch the memory of their loved ones.
Joe Daniels, the 9/11 Memorial president, describes his vision of Sunday’s dedication ceremony.
“Families, children, husbands, wives, sons, and daughters stepping up to the memorial, hearing the water falling, and finding the name of their loved one and placing their hand on that name—that’s the most appropriate way to dedicate this memorial,” said Daniels on a conference call Thursday afternoon.
President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush will read literary passages and poetry at the dedication ceremony after a moment of silence.
Long plaques extend 200 feet along each side of the pools with 2,983 names marking lives cut short.
Ten years is a long time, but also a short time.
“For some it will be too soon, and for some it will be too late,” said Daniels. The massive monument was built much more quickly than most monuments of its scale. Daniels used the example of the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. It took 50 years of planning before Bill Clinton approved it.
But Daniels maintained that having it finished for the 10th anniversary “feels right.”
The memorial is open only to family members on Sept. 11, but will open to the general public at 10 a.m. on Sept. 12. Visitors can book free passes online at 911memorial.org.
Families will always have a special place at the memorial. Although there is only one entrance point, on West Street, from that point on families will have their own path to the site.
They will also go through their own security check. Daniels says security will be stringent, especially this coming Sunday.
“With President Obama coming this will probably be the safest site in the United States,” said Daniels.
Area residents and workers, as well as first responders will have special access privileges. The first Sunday of every month, starting on Oct. 2, will be Community Days—open only to locals with a pass.
Seven days in the remainder of this year have been set aside for first responders, or anyone working for a police department, fire department, or any other unit, which lost members at the WTC site.
