Bay Shore NY
9-10-2024 11:13am

9/11 Patriot Day

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - 9/11 PATRIOT DAY

We all know where we were on 9/11. I was home that morning in my Brooklyn apartment. I slept later than usual. I wasn't going to work that day. I put a pot of coffee on the stove and called my sister. She worked in World Financial Center just next door to the Twin Towers. We had tickets for Broadway later that evening, and I wanted to make a plan to meet for dinner before the show. She picked up my call screaming into the phone, "turn on the TV!!" Then the phone died. I ran into the living room and turned on the TV. Images flashed across the screen as I plopped onto my couch with my hands over my mouth. And then the second plane hit. I immediately knew we were under attack.

For the next 24 hours, I couldn't reach anyone. Not my parents, not my sister, no one. It felt like the world ended. Dread came over me. I went into shock. Nothing has been the same ever since. We all have our story.

In the days that followed, I found myself outside walking around my neighborhood. It was easy to spend the entire day outside with other people. No one wanted to be inside. Somehow, it felt safer to be on solid ground. We sought the love and comfort of strangers with raw emotions. We all came together in a primal way. I think we saved each other.

Over the next few weeks, I began to embrace what happened. One of my favorite places in the World Trade Center complex was the Winter Garden Atrium. I frequented it often. It was a mecca for the arts, and it was a great place to people watch. I needed to see it. One day, I dressed up and boarded the Express Bus, number 27, to lower Manhattan. I prepared myself as I walked up the plank to the viewing platform that hung before the smoldering glass and steel. This was the beginning of my healing. Months later, there was an article in the New York Times about the Project Manager from Turner Construction who took rebuilding the atrium personally. It was his mission to see it return to its original luster. He purchased the same stone and glass from Italy and got busy. I still have the article.

The Winter Garden Atrium is a 120 foot, 10-story glass-vaulted pavilion on Vesey Street in New York City's Brookfield Place (formerly World Financial Center) office complex. Designed by Diana Balmori, the Atrium was originally constructed in 1988, and substantially rebuilt in 2002 after it was badly damaged. The Atrium houses various plants, trees, flowers, and shops. The rear of the building opens onto the World Financial Center Plaza and the North Cove Yacht Harbor on the Hudson River. It remains a very special place to visit.

Patriot Day is a National Day of Remembrance that commemorates the victims of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and United Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania. A bill to make September 11 a National Day of Mourning was introduced in the U.S. House on October 25, 2001, by Rep. Vito Fossella (R-NY) with 22 co-sponsors. The result was the resolution to proclaim September 11, 2002, as the first Patriot Day. 

From 2009 to 2016, President Barack Obama proclaimed September 11 as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, in observance of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. In 2017, President Donald Trump proclaimed September 8–10 as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, and proclaimed September 11 as Patriot Day. President Trump also did so in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Since Joe Biden was elected president in 2020, he has also issued Executive Orders for Patriot Day in 2021, 2022, and 2023. This year is no different. 

The flag of the United States is flown at half-staff at the White House and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments throughout the world; Americans are also encouraged to display flags in and outside their homes. Additionally, a moment of silence is observed to correspond with the attacks, beginning at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Patriot Day is not a federal holiday; schools and businesses remain open in observance of the occasion, although memorial ceremonies for the 2,977 victims are often held. Volunteer and service opportunities are coordinated by the Corporation for National and Community Service. One day, I hope 9/11 is a day for everyone to be home. 

Thousands of families and friends will gather again this year to honor their loved ones. It's hard to believe it was 23 years ago. It feels like yesterday. It was a beautiful day with clear skies as it has been this week. Our love doesn't fade. It only gets stronger. Love never dies.

As I finish writing this article, the Presidential debate is about to begin. God Bless America.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, love is what matters most.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

Please take a moment to honor the people who lost their lives on 9/11 by attending a local memorial. They are happening in towns across America. If you are in New York City, visit www.911memorial.org for more information. We will never forget.

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

Please protect all people of the world. Amen.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Where were you on 9/11?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble below next to the Heart at the bottom of this newsletter. Thank you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - PEOPLE MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND by THE STYLISTICS

<!-- EMBEDDED YOUTUBE URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2owZXPyeilc -->

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE

My Brand - Skylark Live was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I’m in the process of formulating in-person presentations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be conducted in someone’s home, local library, or senior center.

My Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

My Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

WHERE TO SUPPORT AND FOLLOW ME

Support me on Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and to expand my brand. Just click the link below: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Follow me on Social Media - You can follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!

I'm interested
I disagree with this
This is unverified
Spam
Offensive