September 11 2001 Remembered: A Small Note Was the Most Touching Thing

By h. nazan ışık—

11 September 2021—

Today is the day to remember the 20^th anniversary of 11 September (9/11, 2001) to honor victims who died on 11 September 2001 when two hijacked planes hit the WTC 1 and WTC 2 towers. Families and friends of victims gathers at ground zero, 9/11 Memorial, to honor loved ones.

I like to go there late when it is open to public, after all politicians left, the annual ceremony, and ‘only family hour’ is over.

16:00 (4:00 p.m.)now, and it is open to friends of victims, to anyone who wishes to visit.

Each year I look for something different than red roses, flags, pictures of victims. Something more personal.

Last year it was (heart) shapes drawn by a 6 or 7 year old boy.

Hearts (love) drawn by a 6 or 7 year old boy with water for every names. (Photo: h. nazan ışık / NKENdiKEN)

This year it is a note left by a name.

An envelope addressed to “Dad” a little heart (love) under it, was left by a name with a “firefighters” flag. (Photo: © h. nazan ışık)

And an origami crane.

A small pink origami crane was placed under “firefighter” flags by a name. (Photo: © h. nazan ışık)

In Japanese culture, it is believed that the wings (of the crane) carry souls up to paradise (Wikipedia).

This year on 11 September, I see more visitors at ground zero than last year. It is very crowded.

Visitors at ground zero on 11 September 2021. © h. nazan ışık

Last year “yellow roses ” caught my attention. This year it is a white rose.

One World Trade Center (formerly known as Freedom Tower) seen behind two white roses

A visitor by the WTC South Pool where South WTC tower used to be. (Photo: h. nazan ışık )

Beautifully arranged more flowers decorated the WTC South Pool (Photo: h. nazan ışık)

It is a nice, warm, beautiful day.