The Zblock

The @911memorial just released the book "No Day Shall Erase You: The Story of 9/11 as told at the National September 11 Memorial Museum" - I purchased it earlier this week online and wasn't expecting it until next week but it came early! I was amazed to see one of my donated items featured in the book in the section "Normalcy Interrupted" - these artifacts are on display in the museum. As we approach the 15 year anniversary of that horrific day, I implore all of you to visit - at least once - the memorial and museum. I often think that line "never forget" doesn't resonate anymore. We are a country engulfed in the now, so focused on work or tabloid news or social media, we do forget how horrific this event was for the families who lost loved ones, our city and our nation. Terror attacks are more common now and the news of death and destruction is more of a weekly given then a shocking front page headline. 9/11 was a terrible day and impacted people in different ways. I know how it impacted me. The burned paper I found at South and Wall Streets as I walked through a cloud of dust and debris on the morning of September 11, 2001 were, at the moment, a tragic reminder of a day I would have rather forgotten. But years later these papers signified hope; the burnt edges showed damage but the documents had survived. For me, it was the story of that day for the families that would push forward, for a city brought to its knees but came roaring back better than ever before, for a skyline with a hole only to be filled with hope, and for me to find true meaning of life and strive to be better. It may seem silly that some little paper a college kid found on the streets of Manhattan just trying to get home would mean so much. But this and every other event that morning, connection, thought, gesture of kindness, strangers helping strangers, homeless helping the wealthy and helping me, and a city not ready to close up shop or fear tomorrow, but choosing to rise again for an even better tomorrow, this is what I know and remember. That I want to bottle up and spread. That is who we are and I hope one day we can rid this world of hate and evil, and live for a better tomorrow.

Found on the streets of #Manhattan #nyprimary #vote. Whatever party you are registered and whoever you are voting for, get out and have your voice heard. Polls open at 6am in NYC

Picture perfect #skyline #lowermanhattan #statenislandferry #nyharbor #sunset #sunsets

#lovenyc #lowermanhattan #tributeinlight #september11 #911 #manhattan #neverforget

14 years strong #september11 #911 #neverforget #tributeinlight

#BrooklynBridge and #Manhattanbridge #SEEFOREVER

#statenislandferry from the #wtc #SEEFOREVER

And I made it to the top. The #wtc to #SEEFOREVER. We rise again NYC!

Great view from the Flamingo pool #LasVegas #summer #pool (at Pool Side Flamingo Las Vegas)

25th anniversary of #Goodfellas cast reunites #TFF2015 @tribeca #tribecatogether

Someone (@the_nyse) is getting ready for a party! #partycity #nyse #capitalism #america $PRTY

@TribecaFilmFest on 4 days! #TFF2015

Bearlike construction #Tribeca by #Gimhongsok #art

Made it to paradise #Bermuda view from our balcony (at Grotto Bay Beach Resort, Bermuda)

Love the @Sept11Memorial at night. So peaceful. #WTC1993 #september11