Looking at The Firefighters’ Monument, a new 9/11 bronze relief unveiled just yesterday across the street from Ground Zero on the wall of Engine and Ladder Company 10 in lower Manhattan, makes me think of ancient tributes that have withstood the test of time. I recall seeing such pieces in Europe, most specifically on Charles Bridge in Prague, where centuries’ worth of lingering fingertips have rubbed the bronze so bare that it glares like polished silver in the sunlight.
For the first time yesterday, friends and loved ones of the 343 firefighters lost on 9/11 found their names on the monument and ran their fingertips over the engraved letters. Some of the children in attendance placed paper over the names and used crayons or markers to etch rubbings in order to bring something tangible (the remains of many of these lost heroes have never been found) home with them. Watching such indelible moments reminds me the significance of this monument but also stirs passion and anger, for the proposed 9/11 memorial across the way on the site of World Trade Center still remains in limbo.
Nevertheless, here is something fittingly magnificent to honor those brave men and women who went up while so many people were coming down. The dedication of the 56-foot long, six-foot high piece is to those “who fell and to those who carry on.” This is a stark reminder that many of those who did not perish continue in the job, working each day to serve and protect the city they love and for which their comrades perished. These firefighters soldier on, despite the emotional and physical toll 9/11 has taken, and it is quite fitting that this monument recognizes the necessary and compelling duty of New Yorkers and all Americans to honor these living heroes while remembering those who died.
Article comments
1 - Joan Hunt
Would that more people looked to this memorial for inspiration when it comes to constructing other memorials or monuments. Forget something "culturally sensitive", a memorial is supposed to honor a specific group of people or event, as this one has done quite successfully.
Thanks for sharing this one, Victor! It gives me hope that we'll do well with other 9/11 memorials in the future.
2 - Victor Lana
Thanks for the comments, Joan. I do hope that this will set the bar for the future (and especially for the long delayed and fought over 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero). They've raised millions of dollars for it but can't agree on anything.
This monument was made through privately raised funds. Starer made a comment the other day that says it all: "This is a million dollar monument that didn't cost a million dollars."
Trying to get the city, state, or LMDC to do anything like that will be completely impossible.