Dear WAMC Listeners,
Today marks 12 years since 9/11. Two years ago, I was in New York City for the 10th Anniversary of the "Attack on America."
I wanted to share this important story with you once again.
The 9/11 memorial plaza in Manhattan opened its gates to the families of the victims for the first time on Sunday, September 11th 2011, the 10th anniversary of the attacks. The public gathered in the streets for several blocks around the site, a crowd that included tourists, firefighters, police and service men and women, along with others who made the journey - among them - including me - this was one of my first assignments as WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief.
I boarded a train at the Amtrak station in Rensselaer around 0530 that morning. Myself and fellow-travelers arriving at New York's Penn Station from Amtrak and the subway system were greeted by the sounds of bagpipes echoing through the building as police and fire officials conducted remembrance services.
The public gathered in the streets for several blocks around the site, a crowd that included tourists, firefighters, police and service men and women, along with others who made the journey.
Covering this story was an amazing experience. There was a feeling of brotherhood, or unity --- something in the air and on the streets that seemed to bond everyone. People seemed more friendly and more respectful.
Security was airtight at the gathering. The official opening of the 911 memorial plaza marked the first time that ordinary Americans without a badge, a press pass or a hard hat are able to walk the hallowed grounds, that until that day had been known as "ground zero".
Dave Lucas
Capital Region Bureau Chief
WAMC Northeast Public Radio