The Day After

May 2, 2011

Got into work today to discover that the Admiral had planned on us going to the UN to get our Security passes. But since we didn’t know about this, none of us had our driver’s license, so it was postponed till Tuesday.

I met my cousin, Julia for lunch today. She treated me at a restaurant a block away, Josephina’s. It was so good to have a meal like I would prepare!!! We had a nice visit. She hasn't been around lots of family, so we talked a lot about the Curtis family. Last time I saw her she had red hair, now it is beautiful silver white. She lives a block away from where I work. So I asked her what keeps her busy – she laughed! Graciously she told me that so many people ask her that question. Her response was that she travels. She has traveled internationally 14 times. I mentioned to her that I wanted to apply for a job in Qatar, she promptly said that she would come and visit me if I went there!

I worked on the invitation for the UN Ambassador’s picnic at Governors Island. Leesa, the other BYU intern, assisted me in getting it to look just like we wanted. We started on the flag project, but Leesa and Katya finished it – three weren’t needed. We have over 200 countries flags in our office. Even folded they take up space – and space is a premium in our office. While working on this, we had the TV on, watching the news about Osama Bin Laden.

Katya wanted to go to Ground Zero after work, so the three of us 

took the trains down there – our adventure for the day.

 The streets were packed when we got off at Park Place (yes, just like the Monopoly game!). 

We had to walk a few blocks; again, the sidewalks were packed with people. 

It wasn't until we found ourselves across from Ground Zero that the mood changed. The streets were barricaded off, NYC police force were everywhere. In front of the Federal Courthouse Building – it was all broadcast vans. Shepard Smith from Fox News was broadcasting as well as other TV stations. It was a zoo! There were lots of print reporters interviewing people. Ground Zero is several blocks wide and deep. 

We came in on the east side of the site, next to St. Paul’s church.

There were a few attention seekers, chanting about justice for the U.S.

The buildings that they are constructing will be beautiful. Lots of activity in the area, but it was the onlookers that caught my attention. The mood was somber. People were remembering.

As we zigzagged our way around the area, we came across Fire House No. 10. Many firefighters were coming in and out.  Next door to the firehouse there was an ‘office’ with memorabilia about 9/11, but it was closed. 

Around the corner there was a long copper plaque mounted on the wall about 9/11, and at the middle point on the sidewalk was a little memorial. Flowers were placed on the sidewalk as well.

 It was so closeto Ground Zero; right across the street

was the fencing where they were rebuilding. 

We continued our walk around the perimeter of Ground Zero. The crowds were starting to thin out. Apparently there is a foot bridge you can take to cross over to the west side of Ground Zero, but we chose to stop and go back.

As we neared the Federal Courthouse, there was a hotel plaza that was filled with people. There was an undercurrent of noise, but it was a reverent quiet noise – if you can say that! Then we came upon a couple sitting on the planter on the plaza. She had this sign in front of her face. I tried to talk to her, but she hid herself behind the sign. It read, “You can rest in peace now Steven.” I began to cry, it became real to me.

All the BYU print interns had been interviewing people at Ground Zero that day. That evening we discussed what their experiences were compared to ours later. My friend Whitney described that New Yorkers wanted others to understand that this was ‘their’ tragedy, they owned it, they were there through it all. Had I not been at Ground Zero I would not have understood this sentiment.

The lights were glaring as broadcast journalists were being filmed in front of the Federal Courthouse building. Such a tangled mess of cables laid out on the ground. Whoever thinks broadcasting is glamorous needs to rethink it! Many work long grueling hours – with lot of behind the scene work. 

 As we walked past all the broadcast vans to catch the train, there were three police officers leaning against the building, so the three of us struck up a conversation, asking how the day had been. They just smiled and shook their heads, saying it had been a long day with lots of people to watch and protect. We asked to have our pictures taken with them, they obliged!

Even though the day had been a long, here are a few 

photos I took near Ground Zero.

Just so we don't forget.