NYC ILY part 2

It's been twelve years since that awful day in September and going to New York there are reminders everywhere. Flags stand proudly, tribute gardens erected for those lost, stories told of where we were on 9/11. Visiting Ground Zero was a priority on our trip and I am so grateful that I was able to see it. It is a truly beautiful memorial dedicated to those that lost their lives on that day. It is almost near completion - the 9/11 museum will open next year. That will surely be haunting but it is a part of our history that now must be told. It will house the remnants of one of the emergency stairwells, voice recordings, personal mementoes of victims amongst many other items. I can't even imagine. I will let these photos speak for themselves - however it does the memorial no justice.
This man brought me to tears. 
There were a couple of pregnant woman who lost their lives - I am happy they chose to include their unborn children in the memorial
The heart around Harry caught my eye. I imagine he is greatly,greatly missed. 
The plane that found out about the attacks and led an on board attack. I remembered hearing a lot of Jeremy Glick - it was surreal to see his name in person.
This is the "survivor tree". Rescue workers found the tree reduced to a stump of only eight feet tall. The tree was brought back to health in a New York City park and over the last ten years it has grown more than 30 feet tall. It was replanted at ground zero and has temporary ground wires to help it take root. 
 
My mom and I took a photo here that I briefly posted on Instagram. And although hundreds of people were taking photos I realized that I felt it was not right. My face should not be photographed here with the names of all the people lost. So out of respect I deleted it - just a personal thing. 
 
Afterwards we also toured the Trinity Church which is the oldest church in Manhattan. Churches are not really my thing but the stained glass was beautiful. 

That evening we went back to my uncles and enjoyed some champagne on the roof. A nice way to end the evening after a somber day of reflection. 
Proclaiming my love for New York!
 
Final recap coming Monday! 6 days is a lot to cover!





16 comments

  1. Thanks for sharing. I would like to get back up there one day to see all of that.

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  2. lovely post, laura. so glad you enjoyed NYC so much! <3

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  3. I love this! I went to NYC one time for a day (long story) and I was so sad we didn't get to visit the memorial. Maybe one day..

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  4. Great photos! Looks like you had tons of fun with your family :) Isn't it funny how family vacations are such a drag when you are younger/teen, but so great once you are an adult?? lol ;)

    And the September 11th memorial pictures are beautiful - the picture of the gentleman kneeling made me tear up. It is something I absolutely want to visit next time I am in NY.

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  5. Great post! So awesome you were able to go the 9/11 memorial! If I ever visit NYC I hope to see it. Hope you have a great weekend!

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  6. Great pics Laura and it looks like an amazing trip!!! It has made me want to book a trip ASAP xoxo

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  7. Wow you captured some amazing pictures. You should submit them to outlets, they are truly that good. That man you captured is breathtaking. It tells so much. I love the pictures of NYC at night and you guys. It seems like such an amazing city, I am dying to go.

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  8. I'm going to cry like a baby if I ever get to NY to see the 9/11 memorial.
    Just seeing that man kneeling and praying makes my heart sink.

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  9. You and your family are so stinkin' cute! You captured such beauty in these pictures. What kind of camera do you have?

    Megan
    Hello Newlywed Life Blog

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  10. Wow, this post gave me goosebumps. It's just hard to really picture the reality of everything that happened on 9/11 so I can only imagine what it must have been like to be there. And I want champs on a rooftop somewhere...TGIF!!!

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  11. What a beautiful memorial. That photo of the heart around Harry choked me up a bit! Love the story of the survivor tree, too.

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  12. 911 is so heartbreaking!

    Love your pics :)

    Nicole

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  13. Thank you for (virtually) taking us to the memorial. My husband, who is in the fire service, visited Ground Zero in early 2002 with some other firefighters who were delivering a check to the Widows and Orphans fund. We both would like to go to NYC and see the new memorial.
    Looking forward to reading about and seeing photos of the rest of your trip!

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  14. Your trip looks like it was a lot of fun!

    I just wanted to let you know that I have nominated you for a Liebster Award! You can read all about it in my blog post: http://melaniegetsmarried.blogspot.com/2013/09/liebster-award.html

    I love reading your blog, it always puts me in a good mood :)

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  15. This post seriously brought back a rush of emotion for me. It's hard to believe that it was 12 years ago. I remember it all so clearly. Like it was yesterday.

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