“Hope sees a star in the night of death.” These words by Robert Ingersoll resonate here at the WTC Memorial Cove. This cove offers a tranquil space for reflection. It helps us remember the events of September 11th.
The WTC Memorial Cove in Battery Park City honors the heroic efforts of its staff. These people worked tirelessly after the 9/11 attacks. They helped restore the Battery Park City community. Their dedication is commemorated here.
This memorial features a plaque and a “Circle of Remembrance.” These are permanent fixtures. They symbolize the sacrifice and dedication of those who aided in the recovery. The Battery Park City Authority created and dedicated this space on September 9, 2015.
Another WTC Memorial Cove exists in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. It provides a clear view of the lower Manhattan skyline. It includes the One World Trade Center. This memorial was rededicated on September 11.
The DeKorte Park memorial features a wooden deck. It has two projecting piers. These piers suggest shadows of the fallen towers. The piers are proportioned after the World Trade Center. Each has 110 boards. Each board represents a floor of the towers. A steel silhouette shows the skyline before the attacks.
Superstorm Sandy caused significant damage to the DeKorte Park memorial. The storm ripped the deck and piers from their pilings. The entire deck had to be rebuilt. The dedication plaque and benches were salvaged. They were then reinstalled.
The plantings at the DeKorte Park site have been redesigned. They now feature mostly native species. These plants attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
The 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center site has twin reflecting pools. These pools are nearly an acre in size. They feature the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. The names of the victims are inscribed into bronze parapets. A 9/11 Memorial Glade honors the rescue and recovery workers. It also honors survivors who got sick.
The Survivor Tree stands as a symbol of resilience. This Callery pear tree endured the attacks. The Tribute in Light honors those killed and celebrates the spirit of New York.
Here at the WTC Memorial Cove, remember the past. Reflect on the resilience of the human spirit. Let the words of Robert Ingersoll offer solace. “In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.”