Destination Spotlight

The 9/11 National Memorial

The 9/11 National Memorial opened on the 10th anniversary of September 11. Located on the former World Trade Center site, the memorial consists of two huge square pools, which sit within the areas where the Twin Towers stood. Bronze panels along the pools include the names of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the September 11, 2001, tragedy that touched New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The design was selected from more than 5,200 entries from around the world.

Also on the site is the Memorial Museum, which displays artifacts, photos, and videos that allow visitors to reflect on the events of 9/11 and to learn more about the civilians and rescue personnel who lost their lives. This museum is scheduled to open September 11, 2012.

Did you know?

• The 9/11 Memorial plaza takes up nearly 16 acres of space and is meant to be a living part of New York City as the trees grow and change with the seasons.
• The former World Trade Center complex included the Twin Towers as well as five other buildings. All were destroyed in the September 11 attacks.
• A name-finder function on the memorial’s website, as well as kiosks located in Memorial plaza, allow visitors to locate the name of a lost friend or family member within the memorial.

Links:

The 9/11 National Memorial6